DIMTS starting facility to rent bikes

Thursday , Dec 10, 2009 

From Monday, those living around or visiting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in south Delhi will be able to rent bicycles to travel around the colonies. Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) is starting a facility to rent bikes at five locations on the operational part of the corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand, from where cycles will be available at a nominal rent of Rs 10 for four hours. 

The cycle stations are coming up at Siri Fort crossing, Andrews Ganj, Sheikh Sarai, Chirag Dilli and Ambedkar Nagar. At each of the stations, about 10 cycles will be available, but the number might be increased according to the demand. Those interested will need to come with an original ID proof (any one issued by the government) and a passport size photograph which will be kept as security. "An additional fee of Rs 5 will be asked for along with the rent. The commuters will also have the option of renting a cycle from one station and depositing it at another,'' said Col Ashok Kumar Singh, GM (Operations), DIMTS. 

All the cycle stations will also double up as parking facilities for bikes. So if you live in Greater Kailash, you can cycle upto the nearest station, leave your bike to take a bus or metro, complete your chores and return home on the cycle again. The idea is to provide a fast, economical and eco-friendly feeder service to the BRT corridor, which also has the Metro coming up on it near Jangpura, Defence Colony and Moolchand. DIMTS is planning to tie-up with the malls in Saket and LSR college to make similar cycle stations there as well where people can park their bikes. 

Even before the service has kicked off, the enquiries have already begun. "Lots of people stop at the stand after seeing the cycles and enquire about the facility. I have also had people wanting to rent the cycles. But that will only start from Monday,'' said Suraj Kumar, a security guard manning the station near Siri Fort crossing. Seeing the response, DIMTS is already planning to extend the facility to other BRT stretches even as it hasn't become operational yet. 

A spokesperson added: "On Sundays, from 9am to 11.30am, people will be allowed to rent and cycle on the track purely for pleasure. Marshals will be deployed at the corridor for their safety, comfort and convenience. In a month's time, we plan to tie up with one school every month to conduct cycle training sessions for schoolchildren to encourage cycling.''

Original Article sourced from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/DIMTS-starting-facility-to-rent-bikes/articleshow/5320449.cms