Bhopal: The much touted scheme, the Public bike sharing scheme (PBS), launched in June 2017 is gradually losing charm. With Bhopalis losing interest, 350 cycles docked at 92 stations are gathering dust. The number of its users is dwindling fast; as over 34000 persons had registered for BPS, however, today around 1000 are using the services on daily basis.
The monthly number of registrations too has come down to 800 which earlier used to be around 3000. Providing bicycles as a commuting option, Bhopal smart city development corporation limited (BSCDCL) launched the project at a cost of Rs 3 crore, including the 12 kilometer specially designed corridor for the bikes and dockyards. Bike share scheme allows commuter to borrow the bicycle from the docking stations set up across the city for a nominal fee.
The users, however, have to be registered as members by paying an amount. While the people have lost interest in the scheme, even the developers, BSCDCL authorities are not paying much attention. Docking stations along designated cycling corridor on Hoshangabad road wear a deserted look. A very few cyclists are seen on the corridor, which though has become a favourite walking track.
There are 92 docking stations with over 350 cycles. Of the 34000 registered members, only 1000 are opting for these cycles as means of commutation. Many factors are deterring the people from taking to cycling as a means of commutation, this includes city’s hilly terrain and the high charges.
BSCDCL chief executive officer (CEO) Chandramauli Shukla, however, cited high temperature as reason for people avoiding cycling. Giving credit to PBS scheme, the CEO said that people have now developed cycling habits which is beneficial for our health as well as for the environment. We will again run a campaign after summers to promote cycling among the denizens, added Shukla.
