MO CYCLE-Public Bicycle Sharing system launched in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: MO CYCLE-Public Bicycle Sharing system was launched on Monday as a sustainable and inclusive mode of transit in the city of Bhubaneswar.

Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) in association with Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has brought in the MO CYCLE system, to reduce traffic congestion, enhance space efficiency, and improve air quality in the city.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off a promotional rally from Airport Square to Kalinga Stadium, signalling the launch.

The MO CYCLE promotional rally with 300 bicyclists had representation from all segment of riders, both professional and regular. Exclusive contests were also organized at the venue and on social media to generate public awareness on MO CYCLE system.

The intent of the MO CYCLE PBS system is also to increase accessibility of MO BUS system by providing first & last mile connectivity.

About 2000 MO CYCLES will be operated by three leading vendors, Hero-Hexi, Yaana, and Yulu, at about 400 plus MO CYCLE stations around the city. Riders can take the MO CYCLE from any location, and drop off at any destination of their choice.

The operators will coordinate to ensure the redistribution, and availability of MO CYCLES, at locations with high demand, at any given time.

Unlike rentals under the PBS system, MO CYCLES, stored in a closely spaced network of stations, will be made available to riders for short-term, shared use. This new system would encourage the use of the same cycle by multiple riders every day.

It can be accessed by downloading the MO CYCLE App and registering with one of the three operators for a nominal monthly subscription. The rider can locate the nearest MO CYCLE station and unlock the bike through QR code scan.

After reaching the destination, the rider has to end the ride on App, manually lock and park the MO CYCLE, at any station for pick up by the subsequent rider. The highlight of this service is that the first 30 minutes of the ride is free. The system will soon be linked with Odyssey Card, for easy payment.

CRUT in association with Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), is also ensuring that technology interventions like GPS, cashless transactions through the mobile app, and smart locks are an integral part of this system.

The intent is to make MO CYCLE PBS system Smart, Safe, and Affordable, thus attracting more ridership. These unisex bicycles have special features such as an adjustable seat that doubles up as a child-friendly element; utility basket in the front; and GPS for easy tracking.

The MO CYCLE launch comes close on the heels of the successful MO BUS rollout earlier this month. It is encouraging that MO BUS is witnessing continuous improvement in ridership, and has currently crossed 32,000 passengers per day.

It is anticipated that the integration of MO CYCLE stations with the existing Bus Queue Shelter (BQS), at key locations, will give a further boost to MO BUS ridership.