Kochi Metro Rail Ltd issues expression of interest for free bi-cycle project

Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has started implementing the public bike sharing system under which commuters can use bicycles free of cost to travel short distance within the city limits. “We’ve floated the expression of interest (EoI) for the same," a senior official said. "The main aim is to provide metro commuters free short-distance cycle rides in the greater Kochi region. We’re implementing it in a major way by including multiple players for activities such as providing bicycles, their maintenance and setting up cycle tracks among others.”

The initiative is part of efforts to develop non-motorised transportation (NMT) facilities and includes setting up of dedicated cycle paths, pedestrian corridors and walkway-cum-recreational spaces. The operator is required to provide bike racks in various parts of the city. The minimum capacity of each rack should be seven bikes. Besides, the selected bidder needs to deploy a bike tracking system and provide software tools, hardware and physical infrastructure. It should maintain the bikes for at least a year and should ensure replacement in case of theft or destruction. “One of the conditions is that the operator should promote the use of bikes by women by providing at least one lady bicycle at each station,” the official said.

While the operator needs to pay rent for leasing space for racks, the KMRL would sponsor at least six docking stations in the initial year of operation. “We’ve identified spaces for dedicated cycle corridor at different sections like the MG Road, Boat Jetty, Panampilly Nagar, Kadavanthra, Cusat and Fort Kochi. However, it won’t be available for the entire stretch. To woo commuters to cycling, a point-system based public bicycle sharing scheme will be introduced as an incentive. They will be given a discount on the metro upon completing a particular level --- say these many hours,” the official said.