KOCHI: In a bid to popularise non-motorised transport in Kochi, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has come up with a novel plan to provide Kochiites with the opportunity to ride bicycles through the city roads free of cost.
Joining hands with Athi’s Bike Club, the metro agency will implement the bicycle-sharing scheme under which the commuters can use bicycles for travelling short distances within the city for 100 hours every month. Registered persons will get modern bicycles bearing KMRL logo from dedicated areas set up at Kaloor, Ernakulam South Railway station, Ernakulam North and Menaka-Shanmugham Road.
Those interested in cycling should take membership in the club by typing code ‘abc’ on mobile phones and sending it to 9645511155. The membership is free of cost. Following the first SMS, the user should send a second message after typing ‘Form’ to the same number.
The sender will soon get a reply message with details of the membership registration form, which can be filled in and sent online.
However, there are some conditions for availing of the service. In case of any damage to the cycles, the user should rectify it on his own expense. He should also return the cycle to the next cycling point after using it.
Any violation of rules will result in cancellation of the membership. The cyclist will be tracked so as to make sure the user will return the cycles in time. Initially, the service will be available for six months. “Once the App is launched, the cycling programme will be extended to other stations along the metro corridor,” said a KMRL officer.