Hyderabad: A Metro rail system will help reduce traffic only if its passengers are served by a well designed last mile connectivity solution that helps them commute to and from Metro stations without having to bring out their private vehicles.
While such a solution would almost certainly need feeder buses, cabs and autos, the best part of it may be bicycles, say Metro officials. Bicycles would help commuters ride to and from Metro stations, in the process reducing traffic congestion.
HMR plans to put up 63 Bike Stations across the city, with 10,000 bicycles, in coordination with Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC). These bikes would include solar power-charged e-bikes. Some 100 bicycles, including e-bikes, would be available at each Metro station. Commuters wou-ld pick up these bikes using the same swipe card they would use for the Metro, take it to their workplace, and drop them off at any station on their way back home. Metro officials say their last-mile connectivity solution should help reduce 40 per cent of the traffic on city roads.
Says traffic expert Vinod Kumar, “Metro systems in Delhi and Bengaluru haven’t resulted in such a reduction in city traffic, but if HMR brings in bicycle facilities, like Chinese cities do, then it may happen in Hyderabad.”
Bicycle Benefits
Help reduce vehicle emissions, improve urban air quality
Promote active, healthy lifestyle in city.
Reduce traffic congestion, increase average speed, reduce overall commute time for everyone.
Reduce India’s reliance on fossil-fuels, reduce fuel import bill.
