Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is set to implement bicycle-sharing scheme, which includes setting up of dedicated cycling corridors and free cycle parking facilities at various parts of the city, as part of developing Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) facilities. The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the same is expected to be floated in a couple of days.
"The main aim is to provide Metro commuters free cycle rides to commute short distances within the city. We're implementing it in a major way by including multiple players for facilities such as providing the cycles, maintenance of the same and setting up cycle tracks among others," said a senior official.
"We've identified spaces for dedicated cycle corridor at different sections like MG Road, Boat Jetty, Panampilly Nagar, Kadavantra, Cusat and Fort Kochi. However, it won't be available in the entire stretch. To woo commuters to cycling, a point-system-based public bicycle-sharing scheme will be introduced as an incentive. The riders will be given discount for Metro train travel upon completing certain hours," the official said.
All the Metro stations would have free parking space for bicycles. The UMTC (Urban Mass Transit Company) appointed as a consultant to prepare an NMT master plan, comprising identification of priority NMT corridors in a two-km buffer area on either side of the metro corridor, had earlier submitted its report.
The French funding agency Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) agreed to fund Metro allied projects too in the city like bicycle-sharing and footpaths for pedestrians apart from financing the modern public transportation system. Initially, the authorities had planned to set up cycle racks in various parts of the city but later decided to implement it in a major way.
