VIJAYAWADA: After the success of the public bicycle sharing (PBS) system at the Interim Government Complex in Amaravati, the government wants to extend it to Vijayawada and Guntur cities for people to have access to cycles, a non-polluting source of transportation. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) which has been entrusted with the job is in the process of identifying a firm to implement the environment-friendly project.
CRDA officials told TNIE 500 cycles would be made available in a total of 50 locations in both the cities in the initial phase. “We have identified some locations in Vijayawada and Guntur. Semi-automated docking stations, which would have 10 cycles each, will be established at the spots from where the public can borrow cycles. They can dock the bicycle at any other station in the cities,” a top-ranking official said.
The locations will be finalised after the CRDA chooses a service provider. If necessary, the CRDA is also planning to develop dedicated bicycle paths wherever required.The bicycle will be fitted with a GPS tracking system and an App will be developed by the service provider to track the location of the bicycle. The first phase of the project will focus on arranging the PBS system at major tourist destinations, educational institutes and areas that attract heavy footfall.
“In the second and third phases, the facility will be made available in other locations and more bicycles added. The first phase of the project is expected to be executed within six months. We have floated the Request For Proposal to identify the service provider,” the official explained. The subsequent phases will be taken immediately after launching the first phase.
While the main objective of the project is to reduce dependency on automobiles and check traffic congestion, the PBS system is also aimed at providing a transportation choice which will offer both physical and mental benefits to commuters.
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