PUNE: ofo, a station-free
app based bike-sharing platform signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to support the Pune Cycle Plan - a
comprehensive bicycle master plan for integrated city-wide cycle tracks across
Pune.
Prepared
with support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of
India, the Pune Cycle Plan sets out to create the necessary infrastructure for
proper cycle tracks, a city-wide cycle network, seamless public sharing bicycle
schemes and development of cycle promotion activities for encouraging the use
of this eco-friendly mode of transport.
Mobility
has become a major civic issue in Pune recently as facilities for public
commuting have not kept pace with the city's growth. As per PMC's Environment Status
Report 2016-17, with 700 private vehicles being added to the roads every day,
the city's vehicle population is now equal to its human population.
This
rapid rise in vehicular traffic is leading to air pollution, health problems,
accidents, and wastage of time in traffic congestion. Recognising this, the PMC
has come up with the Pune Cycle Plan as part of its Comprehensive Mobility Plan
(CMP).
Rajarshi
Sahai, Director of Public Policy and Communications, ofo said, "We are
delighted to partner with the city of Pune. We wish to improve its quality of
life in the city by providing a healthier, quicker, and greener alternative to
motor vehicles. Our station-free bike-sharing concept has improved the
transportation in cities across the world. Our mission is to solve the 'last
mile' transportation problem in India's urban areas and we see immense
potential in Pune for ofo's convenient, affordable and low carbon way of
travel."
"Pune's
approach to have global bicycle sharing operators brings in the bicycles, while
the city builds infrastructure and parking to meet deployment is an example in
role clarity for public and private sector. We are delighted by the support we
have received here and we do plan to deploy in Pune soon," he added.
"We
are getting closer to our vision of sustainable mobility and healthy living in
Pune. Along with partnerships for public bicycle sharing with partners like
ofo, we are creating an infrastructure where cycling is safe, attractive,
comfortable and the travel mode of choice. As more people switch to bikes from
cars for short-distance travel, apart from getting exercise, they will also
help reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution," said
Kunal Kumar, Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Till
date, ofo has operations in over 250 cities across 20 countries alongside
widespread usage by over 200 million global users with more than six billion
efficient, convenient and green rides. This innovative bike sharing platform
requires no fixed docking stations, thus providing significant flexibility for
user to find and return bikes.
In
October 2017, ofo joined hands with C40 - a network of world's leading
megacities - to establish joint efforts in tackling pollution and climate
change, and contribute to research focused on healthy livable cities. In July
2017, ofo completed Series E funding of USD 700 million led by Alibaba, Hony
Capital and CITIC Private Equity, becoming the world's biggest and most valued
bike-sharing company.
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