Following poor response to its Public Bike Sharing (PBS) scheme, BMC has relaxed the participation conditions for interested bidders.
BMC plans to run electric and pedal cycle services for last mile connectivity at several places across the city on the lines of Navi Mumbai’s Yulu bike service. “But many interested firms have pointed out that the eligibility terms and conditions are stringent, making it difficult to participate,” a BMC official said.
Under this scheme private firms will be appointed to run bike services from prominent places like railway stations, corporate offices and tourist places. People can hire these cycles to reach their destination. BMC plans to put 1 lakh bikes in service in the city.
Earlier, the civic body had said that only companies with at least 5,000 bikes and a capital of Rs 30 crore can participate in the project. Now, as per the changed conditions, a firm with a capital value of Rs 30 lakh and at least 1,000 bikes will be allowed to participate.
“Many firms had said that the old terms were impractical. After this the policy was changed so that there could be healthy competition.
The revised conditions were approved in the BMC Reforms Committee meeting last week. Now it will be presented in the general body meeting for final approval. Officials said once the revised policy is approved, the BMC is planning to start a pilot project in Andheri.
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