Bhubaneswar: To promote a sustainable and inclusive mode of transit in the city, ‘Mo Cycle- PBS’ system was launched on Monday by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) in association with Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL). It brought in the ‘Mo Cycle’ system to reduce traffic congestion, enhance space efficiency and improve air quality of the city.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off a promotional rally from Airport Square to Kalinga Stadium, signaling the launch.
The rally with 300 cyclists, had representation from all segment of riders, both professional and regular. Exclusive contests were also organised at the venue and on social media to generate public awareness about the system.
The intent of the ‘Mo Cycle – PBS system’ is also to increase accessibility of ‘Mo Bus system’ by providing first and last mile connectivity.
About 2000 ‘Mo Cycles’ will be operated by three leading vendors, Hero-Hexi, Yaana, and Yulu, at the 400 plus MO CYCLE stations in the city.
Riders can take the cycle from any location and drop it 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, cycles, parked in a closely spaced network of stations, will be made available to riders for short-term and shared use. This new system will encourage the use of the same cycle by multiple riders every day.
‘Mo Cycle’ can be accessed by downloading the ‘Mo Cycle App’ and by registering with one of the three operators for a nominal monthly subscription. The rider can locate the nearest station and unlock the bike through QR code scan.
After reaching the destination, the rider has to end the ride on the 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. 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.
