To reduce traffic congestion, enhance space efficiency

The Odisha government on Monday launched a Public Bicycle Sharing system to reduce traffic congestion, enhance space efficiency, and improve air quality in Bhubaneswar.

Capital Region Urban Transport and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited have come together for the PBS, which has been christened as ‘Mo Cycle’ system.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off a promotional rally on Monday from Airport Square to Kalinaga Stadium in this regard.

More than 300 cyclists took part in the rally to generate public awareness. Initially, 2,000 cycles will be available at about 400 Mo Cycle stations in different locations of the city.

According to the BSCL, riders can take cycles from any location and drop them off at any destination of their choice. The operators will coordinate to ensure the redistribution and availability of cycles at high-demand locations.

“Unlike rentals under the PBS system, 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 use of the same cycle by multiple riders every day,” said an official.

Users would have to download Mo Cycle application and register for a nominal monthly subscription. The rider can locate the nearest Mo Cycle station and unlock the cycle through Quick Response Code scan. Technology interventions such as GPS and smart locks are an integral part of the system.