Hey there, Pune folks! Remember the bicycle-sharing scheme that was launched a few years back to promote eco-friendly commuting in our city? Well, turns out it’s no longer around. Yup, you read that right – not a single bicycle is available for public use in Pune anymore.
Apparently, the scheme, which was introduced in 2017 with the aim of reducing reliance on private vehicles, was quietly discontinued by 2019-20. But here’s the kicker – Pune Smart City officials are still claiming that the program is active. Say what now?
When social worker Paresh Khandke tried to get some clarity on the situation by filing a Right to Information (RTI) request, he was simply told to look online for more information. Um, okay then. Seems a bit fishy, doesn’t it?
Initially, the bicycle-sharing scheme sounded pretty cool – one lakh bicycles, 8,000 docking stations, a 531-kilometre cycle path, and a 31-kilometre green belt. Citizens could grab a bicycle from one station and drop it off at another for a small fee. In the first phase, around 3,000 bicycles were rolled out, and people seemed to love the idea.
But, as with many good things, operational challenges started cropping up. Vandalism, theft, and poor maintenance were just some of the issues plaguing the program. On top of that, there were disputes over who should be running the show – PMC or the Smart City Mission. By 2019, the scheme was pretty much dead in the water.
Fast forward to today, and the administration is still insisting that the scheme is active. Huh? There are no bicycles or docking stations to be found anywhere in Pune, yet the program is apparently still up and running online. Something doesn’t add up here, and residents are rightfully questioning the transparency and accountability of the authorities involved.
So, what’s the deal with the bicycle-sharing scheme, Pune? Looks like we’ll have to wait and see if the truth comes out in the end. Stay tuned for more updates on this puzzling situation!
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