<p>A bicycle-sharing system, like the ones in London and Paris, is expected to come up in Chennai soon, with the Tamil Nadu government planning to provide residents the low-cost, eco-friendly mode of transport.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In the first phase of the “Chennai Cycle Sharing” project, more than 3,500 cycles will be made available for public use at 170 stations across the city. It is scheduled to begin operation in mid-2014.<br /><br />“Users can check out cycles at one station and return them at any other station in the network,” a senior official from Chennai Corporation told Deccan Herald.<br /><br />According to the official, the initial coverage area will include key destinations in central Chennai, like the commercial districts of Thousand Lights and Egmore, historic mixed-use neighbourhoods such as Mylapore and Royapettah, educational institutes along Kamarajar Salai and numerous government offices, including the Fort complex.<br /><br />The new project will connect these destinations to key modes of public transport, like the Mass Rapid Transit System, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus system.<br /><br />Cycle-sharing stations will be physically integrated with stations and bus stops. In addition, the ticketing system for Chennai Cycle Sharing will be integrated with the electronic fare-collection system currently under development by the CMRL and MTC.<br /><br />“Cycle sharing is expected to boost the use of public transport by providing crucial last-mile connectivity, thereby expanding the catchment areas for the region’s rapid transit systems,” said the official. “The roll-out of cycle-sharing in the city will be paired with the introduction of dedicated cycling facilities, including a cycle track along the world-famous Marina beach.”<br /><br />The official also pointed out that the cycles would be easy to mount and dismount for all adult users, would have theft-proof seats with adjustable height, and be made of corrosion-resistant material.<br /><br />Public transport is currently responsible for 41 per cent of all motorised trips in Chennai. The Chennai Comprehensive Transportation Study has set a goal of increasing this mode's share to 70 per cent of all trips by 2026.</p>
<p>A bicycle-sharing system, like the ones in London and Paris, is expected to come up in Chennai soon, with the Tamil Nadu government planning to provide residents the low-cost, eco-friendly mode of transport.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In the first phase of the “Chennai Cycle Sharing” project, more than 3,500 cycles will be made available for public use at 170 stations across the city. It is scheduled to begin operation in mid-2014.<br /><br />“Users can check out cycles at one station and return them at any other station in the network,” a senior official from Chennai Corporation told Deccan Herald.<br /><br />According to the official, the initial coverage area will include key destinations in central Chennai, like the commercial districts of Thousand Lights and Egmore, historic mixed-use neighbourhoods such as Mylapore and Royapettah, educational institutes along Kamarajar Salai and numerous government offices, including the Fort complex.<br /><br />The new project will connect these destinations to key modes of public transport, like the Mass Rapid Transit System, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus system.<br /><br />Cycle-sharing stations will be physically integrated with stations and bus stops. In addition, the ticketing system for Chennai Cycle Sharing will be integrated with the electronic fare-collection system currently under development by the CMRL and MTC.<br /><br />“Cycle sharing is expected to boost the use of public transport by providing crucial last-mile connectivity, thereby expanding the catchment areas for the region’s rapid transit systems,” said the official. “The roll-out of cycle-sharing in the city will be paired with the introduction of dedicated cycling facilities, including a cycle track along the world-famous Marina beach.”<br /><br />The official also pointed out that the cycles would be easy to mount and dismount for all adult users, would have theft-proof seats with adjustable height, and be made of corrosion-resistant material.<br /><br />Public transport is currently responsible for 41 per cent of all motorised trips in Chennai. The Chennai Comprehensive Transportation Study has set a goal of increasing this mode's share to 70 per cent of all trips by 2026.</p>