Jamshedpur, Dhanbad to get app-based smart cycle service by 2020

DHANBAD: Two urban centers in Jharkhand namely, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad will have app-based public sharing cycle service by 2020, after its relative success in the state capital.

Ameet Kumar, director of State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) said that the civic officials of Jamshedpur and Dhanbad have been issued a directive earlier this month, asking them to prepare feasibility reports along with the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), an NGO working for urban mass transit, for the public bicycle sharing system.

Kumar added, “It would be a significant step towards last mile connectivity and provide an alternative eco-friendly, pollution-free and cheap mode of transport for the urban populace. It will also help them keep fit.”

The director has directed the officials of Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) and Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) to identify stations for bicycles and draw up routes while conducting a joint survey with the ITDP. Also, take feedback from the Ranchi operating agency so that technical problems can be eliminated from the beginning.

On an average, 800 people use the app-based system in Ranchi. The Chartered Bike app is available on Android and iOS platforms. Subscription fee is Rs 35.40 per day, which leads to Rs 236 per month and Rs 1,180 per year. There are nominal user charges Rs 5, but first 30 minutes are free. People who do not have access to smartphones can buy tickets to use cycles.