GB Nagar: E-Bikes to be available for rent at public spots

The inadequate public transport services in Noida and Greater Noida are an age-old resident concern. In a much-needed step, Noida and Greater Noida Authority have decided to provide electric bikes on rent to people in all metro stations as well as other busy public areas. For this, the Authorities have decided to buy 350 E-bikes which commuters would be able to rent at Rs 2/minute. According to sources, the tender process of the e-bike scheme can also start this month.

As per area residents, although metro services and bus services were available in Noida and Greater Noida, travelling short distances was a challenge for residents. Brajesh Sharma, founder of 7X Welfare, a road safety foundation in Noida says, "This is a very nice initiative for commuters where one can travel from one place to another using this pollution-less mode of transport. In general, the minimum cost for Erikshaw is not less than ₹10. Here it is Rs 2 per minute which makes a lot of sense for short distances."

He adds, "However, safety on speed, traffic rules, helmets etc  must be taken into consideration by the Authorities as well as the riders."

As per the information, Noida Authority had been working on this scheme since the year 2020. A tender was also floated by the Authority for the e-bike scheme, but only one of Delhi's agencies showed interest in it in 2021.

Another resident, Indrani Mukherjee, a resident of sector 78, Mahagun Modern holds a different view. She says, "I think before planning this step, the authorities should've thought about who would be using it- mainly students from the middle class and lower-middle-class commuters. For them, this cost would be high."

Nevertheless, this month the Authority has got some good signs. Talks are going on with two agencies about this. Both have also been shortlisted so that this service can be started in Noida and Greater Noida by November of this year.