With non-motorized transport becoming increasingly important in the sustainable integrated transport mix, the Atal Indore City Transport Service Ltd. (AICTSL) is keen to set up a formalized public bicycling scheme in the city, building on the existing availability and usage, and incorporating a model which would include sophisticated bicycles, docking stations and revenue from advertising to offset operational costs. The hope is to affect an increase in the cycling mode share, which is currently at 14%.
AICTSL and EMBARQ India recently conducted a preliminary study to help assess the existing scenario, and the infrastructural and financial viability for setting up this system. The study shows that the current informal backdrop will present several opportunities and challenges moving forward. The availability and usage patterns leave room for a scheme that can complement rather than compete with the current system.
If you have any questions or comments, or would like to know more about this research contact Prashanth Bachu at prashanth.bachu@wri.org.