Ranchi gets Chartered, an app-based bicycle sharing scheme

Thanks to BHPian saket77 for sharing this information with other enthusiasts.

An app-based bicycle sharing scheme called Chartered has been introduced in Ranchi as part of its Smart City project. 

The service, which has been operational since March 3, 2019 can be availed on a subscription basis. The cost ranges from Rs. 30 per day to Rs. 1,000 for a year's subscription. A month's subscription costs Rs. 200. Once subscribed, the first 30 minutes of all rides are free. Beyond that, Rs. 5 per hour will be charged. The bicycles can be booked via the Chartered Bike app which is available on Android and iOS platforms. Users can also track the availability of bicycles at the nearest dock using the app. Those who damage the bikes or fail to return them will be fined Rs. 5,000.

The city plans to setup 120 cycle docks, out of which 60 are already operational and have around 600 bicycles. Another 600 bicycles will be inducted in the second phase.

The bicycles are manufactured by Germany-based Nextbike and imported as completely knocked down (CKD) units. They come equipped with GPS receivers and barcode-based locking system which can be operated via the mobile app. 

Ahmedabad-based M/s Chartered Bikes will operate the scheme for 6 years. It is also responsible for transporting the CKD units from the Haldia Port in West Bengal to Ranchi.