PBS scheme already facing challenges before a formal launch

BENGALURU: The public bicycle-sharing (PBS) scheme, which has not yet been launched formally n the city, is already facing challenges. As there is an increase in the number of app-based firms. 

Zoomcar dockless bike which is sharing the platform with PEDAL, it is very well-known in different parts of the city, will be suspending its operations temporarily from Friday. 

The other firm, which is named Ofo, has also recently been shut down. App-based bicycle firms that have entered the city with a promise of making the last-mile connectivity a cheaper, faster, healthier and eco-friendly travel option, but because of lack of infrastructure, theft and vandalism the expansion of the project is being hampered. 

As of now, the directorate of urban land transport (DULT) has issued permits for four bicycle operators — Zoomcar PEDL, Yulu Bikes, Bounce and Lezonet — under the PBS project. N Murali Krishna, special officer, DULT, said that currently the PEDL and Yulu Bikes are being operated under the PBS scheme.

“PEDL has informed us that they are temporarily suspending services to replace their existing cycles. They haven’t said when the services would resume,” he said.

Yulu bike services have been made available in Whitefield, Sarjapur, Outer Ring Road, Old Madras Road, Indiranagar, Koramangala, HSR Layout and Electronics City. And the plan is to expand their operations to MG Road, Ulsoor and the other central business district areas.

In the HSR layout the Zoomcar PEDL had gained popularity, in the areas like Koramangala, JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Domlur, MG Road and on the IISc campus. “We’re putting an interim stop to our services by December 21 to revamp the quality of cycles. We’ll resume operations next year with new and improved cycles,” said Greg Moran, the CEO and co-founder, Zoomcar.

The sudden development has suprised the users, “I received a mail stating that they are putting an interim stop. They have taken away all the cycles from the streets,” said Kishore S, a PEDL user.