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Bengal

After bike taxis and rent-a-car services, state govt mulls rent-a-bike scheme

The state transport department is carefully considering a proposal of introducing "rent-a-bike" service after the immense success of bike taxis and rent-a-car services.

According to sources in the state Transport department, within a few days after the bike taxi was introduced, a proposal was received in which a private company wanted to enter into an agreement to initiate "rent-a-bike" service.

"It is in a very nascent stage. We have just received the proposal. The department has to look into each and every aspect before introducing the rent-a-bike service," the official said adding that they also have to look into the financial viability of the project.

"Most importantly, we give priority to security aspects of the person using a particular service. Whether it is an app-based car, bike taxi or rent-a-car service, we have always taken steps to first ensure security of passengers. Similarly, in this case as well, we have to be sure about the pros and cons of the service," the officer said adding that at the same time, the department will prepare a guideline that has to be followed if the services get introduced.

Though it has not been decided yet as to where the service will be introduced first but it is expected that if the proposal is accepted, then it may initially commence in urban areas and tourist spots, the official said.

It may be mentioned that rent-a-bike service is available in some parts of the country. It is also available at tourist destinations where one can rent a bike for a few hours where he or she has to make payments on an hourly basis. Again, one can also rent a bike even for a week or a month. There is a minimum time limit for which one has to pay if a bike is rented out. Such matters have to be finalised if the state transport department decides to introduce the service.

It may be mentioned that the initiative of the state transport department to make self-driven hired cars available in the city has gained much popularity. The service was launched in September and people had started hiring cars to drive on their own to different tourist spots including the hills. Many, who visit the city from other states for work, also started hiring cars to drive on their own to reach their destinations instead of availing luxury taxis or other public transport services.

Similarly, the K-Bike taxi that has been introduced in Rajarhat and New Town has also become a huge hit as a last-mile connectivity vehicle within a very short time.
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