Underground public transportation, such as
the metro, is obviously the best solution for remitting the traffic congestions
in the metropolis. It’s quick, on-time and has sufficient capacity, however,
unlike the buses, the metro stations are generally sparser. The distance
between the destinations and the closest station is often around or more than
one kilometre.
Like many other public services, the coverage
to the last kilometre is either expensive or not feasible to be supported.
However, to the public transport commuters, the last kilometre is a bit far to
walk however too close to justify the time and cost of calling a cab.
Bicycle sharing is a new business model
emerged and expanded in China recently, and it is designed to provide a cheap
and convenient transport method for the last kilometre issue.
The Mobike, the biggest and initiative
company of the bicycle sharing, has received large amount of investments, and
have deployed hundreds of thousands special designed bicycles close to the
metro stations in capital cities. Unlocking a bike requires only one scan from
the app installed in smart phone, and the rate is set at 0.5 or 1 Yuan RMB (10
or 20 Australian cents) per half hour.
All Mobike bicycles equip GPS tracker,
electronic lock and unique QR code for scan to unlock. The convenience and
high-tech properties make Mobike extremely welcomed by Chinese commuters, and
it also seems to be much more environmental friendly than the car sharing
business (Uber). Although the company has not made real profit during the
initial expansion, this seems to be a good idea that contributes to a
sustainable smart city.
https://qz.com/942372/mobike-one-of-chinas-top-bike-sharing-startups-is-now-paying-users-to-ride-its-bikes/
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