CHENNAI: More than one lakh bicycle trips have been undertaken by Chennai Metro Rail commuters after the bicycle scheme was introduced in January 2017. A Chennai Metro Rail spokesperson said that the bicycle scheme was introduced as part of the initiative to ensure last-mile connectivity. He said that many commuters have been availing the service.
Currently, three bicycle schemes are prevalent at Chennai Metro stations. Chennai Metro Rail Bicycle scheme which was launched on January 2017 at 12 metro stations, a GPS-enabled bicycle scheme by PEDL bicycle scheme by Zoom Car from October 2017 at three metro stations and 100-hours of free rides bicycle scheme by Athi’s Cycles from October 2017.
The spokesperson said that Chennai Metro Rail bicycle scheme which was introduced at 12 metro stations which include Nehru Park, Kilpauk, Pachaiyappa’s College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar Tower, Thirumangalam, Koyambedu, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal, Alandur, St Thomas Mount and Little Mount has attracted commuters. “In the 12 stations alone, a total of 50,500 cycle trips were recorded.
Similarly, the GPS-enabled bicycle scheme by Zoom Car which was introduced on October 2017 at Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar East Tower and Anna Nagar East has recorded 36,450 trips, according to Chennai Metro. The company has around 50 cycles at the three metro stations, and has launched an introductory fare of `1 for half an hour with zero security deposit.
Similarly, the 100 hours of free rides bicycle scheme by Athi’s Cycles, Kochi-based company that was instrumental in introducing eco-friendly concept, from October 2017 at six metro stations namely Nehru Park, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Thirumangalam, Vadapalani and Ashok Nagar had recorded 14,580 trips.
Talking about other means of last-mile connectivity, the spokesperson said that Chennai Metro has also launched bike rental services, a pilot project wherein motorcycle rentals have commenced from Thirumangalam and Airport Metro stations from June 3.
The Chennai Metro Rail is setting up electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at four metro stations in partnership with PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd. The electric bike charging stations will be set up by PowerGrid Corporation at Tirumangalam, St Thomas Mount, Alandur and Koyambedu Metro Stations.
Chennai Metro Rail plans to launch e-bikes and is in talks with a Bengaluru-based company, Metro Rail sources said. It is learned that the e-bikes scheme could be more or less akin to that introduced by Bengaluru Metro.
Electric vehicles
The Chennai Metro Rail is setting up electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at four metro stations in partnership with PowerGrid Corporation of India