HCMC readies stations for public bike service
A total 43 public bicycle stations in downtown Ho Chi Minh City are expected to enter operation on Dec. 10.
A representative of investor Tri Nam Corporation on Saturday said it has trialed the parking system along Le Loi Street in District 1, one among 43 stations across the downtown district.
The stations are located near bus stations, parks and tourist attractions. Each station spans 10-15 square meters and is capable of hosting up to 20 bikes.
The HCMC Department of Transport said stations must also leave enough space on sidewalks for pedestrians to move.
Tri Nam is planning to launch the public bike service as a trial starting Dec. 10. As many as 500 bicycles have been transported to the city for this purpose.
The bicycles utilize GPS, smart locks and Bluetooth. The cost to rent one is VND5,000 (22 cents) for 30 minutes, and VND10,000 for an hour. More price ranges would become available in future, while bikes could initially be rented for free for the first 15 minutes as a way to attract customers.
By Gia Minh – VnExpress.net – December 4, 2021