BENGALURU: The move to provide motorcycles on rent at Metro stations in May 2016 was hailed as a big step in providing the much needed last-mile connectivity to commuters. However, the scheme is now not operational in four of the five Metro stations where it was launched.
The Baiyappanahalli Metro station is the only place where the scheme is alive and kicking. The private contractor, Wickedride Adventure Services Pvt Ltd has shut down operations at Peenya, Indiranagar, Trinity and Sampige Mantri Mall stations in the last three months. Shortage of resources, both in terms of funds and manpower, seems to be the main reason. The start-up though insists it will be back with a bang along the Jayanagar route after Metro operations for the entire Phase-I commences operations in April this year.
G Anil, one of the co-founders of the start-up, says, “We are trying to put all our energies and focus at Baiyappanahalli Metro station as there is a huge patronage here. It is a learning experience for us and we are trying to study and understand user behaviour and demand.”
Wickedride also plans to introduce pick-up and drop points at many other locations across the city and not just at Metro stations. “This would ensure that hirers can leave behind bikes at different places and do not have to return them to the station they hired it from,” he said.
Baiyappanahalli now houses 60 Honda Navis and Suzuki Let’s along with five hi-end bikes and 12 bicycles. “Half the number of bikes are now hired daily by regular commuters. This comprises the IT crowd heading to offices in K R Puram, Whitefield and Indiranagar,” Anil added.
Publicity for the scheme was not lacking though. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George was roped in to inaugurate it at Trinity Metro station on May 21 last year. Operations were supposed to commence at the other four stations before June.
However, it had teething troubles and had a delayed kick-off at these stations. Delay on the part of the manufacturer to meet the deadline in providing bikes was cited as the reason then.
When asked if the stoppage of services would amount to a breach of contract, Anil said, “We have adhered to the conditions of the contract. We have informed BMRCL in advance about it and given them sufficient notice period on our stoppage.”
The low rental prices fixed during the launch which delighted the users then also made a few wonder if the scheme could sustain itself. The fares were: `20 for half an hour (3 km travel and inclusive of fuel cost) and `3 for every extra kilometre covered. The hire charge for 24 hours was fixed at `250. BMRCL officials did not respond to calls.