Smart bicycles find many enthusiasts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 19 2023: Over 33,839 people have used smart bicycles since it was first introduced in 2022 and riding it has reduced carbon emission by around 5,760 kilograms.

A smart bicycle, as the name suggests, is technologically smart and is environmentally friendly.

It reduces carbon footprints.

It requires riders to download Yaana-Smart Bicycle Sharing App from Google Playstore on their phones to ride them.

The smart bicycles were introduced in the Imphal Municipal area by the Imphal Smart City Limited with the aim to encourage people to adopt more environmentally friendly means of transport.

Smart bicycles not only don't harm the environment, but also promote physical exercise.

On September 27, 2022, smart bicycle stations were installed and inaugurated at 16 places by MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand.

The stations are at places near Kalimai, Post Office Gate, Sanjenthong, Kangla Nongpok Torban, Bodhachandra College Gate, RDS School, New Checkon, Minuthong, Kangla North Gate, Chingmeirong Law College Gate, ISBT Gate, DM College Gate, Keishamthong Junction, RIMS Gate, TG Higher Secondary School Gate and Ima Keithel.

The smart bicycle initiative started with just 100 bicycles and initially there was a plan to install 20 stations.

Imphal Smart City Limited's CEO Thingbaijam Harikumar said over 33,839 people have used smart bicycles covering a total distance of 23,040 kilometres.

And, according to a report of the Transport Department, the use of smart bicycles has reduced carbon emission by around 5,760 kilograms.

The stations were set up by Bangalore based Yaana Technology Private Limited after getting the tender and these stations are monitored by the Imphal Smart City Limited, he added.

He also informed that 71 percent of the earnings from the smart bicycles goes to the Imphal Smart City Limited while 29 percent goes to Yaana Smart Technology Private Limited.

It requires riders to download Yaana-Smart Bicycle Sharing App from Google Playstore on their phones to drive the smart bicycle.

The route of the ride is tracked using GPS (Global Positioning System) and the system will sound an alarm or warning when the rider crosses the limit of the city area.

Afterwards, the bicycle will lock itself and it can't be driven.

So far, the city has not lost a single smart bicycle, he said.

The smart bicycle system also has a membership option on payment of Rs 149 a month.

The benefit of membership is that the rider will be exempted from paying for the first 30 minutes of ride.

Any unused balance will get deducted at the end of the month.

On the other hand, a non member has to pay Rs 15 per hour.

A frequent rider said the smart bicycle is handy and convenient to use in the congested city area.

It saves time and is also healthy, he said, encouraging others to use the smart bicycles.

He said, when most of the people start riding bicycles, the pollution level would come down.

It is environmentally friendly and riding bicycles also makes people become health conscious, he added.

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