By IANS
New Delhi : For those commuters who cannot afford to hire an auto rickshaw, Delhi Metro now offers the facility of cycles on hire for them to travel between a metro station and their destination.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Wednesday launched its hire-a-cycle service at the Viswavidyalaya station, close to Delhi University, to help people reach their destinations.
“We started this on an experimental basis from today at one station initially, and it may be extended to other stations depending upon the popularity of the scheme,” DMRC spokesman Anuj Dayal said.
DMRC started the eco-friendly transport link with two ladies’ and five gents’ cycles, the number would be extended to 20 soon.
“Pay just Rs.10 and take a cycle for four hours and the service will be available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” Dayal said.
He said the concept is to make cycle usage popular among Metro commuters.
“The university students are the main targets as some of the colleges are away from the station and the students usually use rickshaws or come in their own vehicles. The usage of cycles will also reduce the traffic movement and pollution in the campus area,” Dayal said.
He said users would have to deposit a copy of their photo identity card, voter ID card or driving license for security purposes.
“The cycles will be available with the helmets for driver’ safety,” he added.
Delhi Metro currently ferries over 600,000 passengers every day over its 65-km network across the capital city. The mass transport system is set to add some 118 km more to its network before the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010.