Do Ba Dan, chairman of Tri Nam Group JSC, the investor of the rental bike company, said that the service had proved popular in the two weeks after launch with nearly 29,400 registrations.

"The service is being used almost all the time with at a peak time of over 1,400 online customers and 370 out of 390 bikes being used," he said. "63 percent of customers are in the age group of between 22-40. This is a positive sign for the service."

Dan said that the group has proposed to local authorities to expand the service to more districts before the 12-month pilot programme ends.

Ho Chi Minh City piloted a public bicycle rental service in District 1 on December 16. At present, 500 bikes are placed at 43 stations which are situated on the pavements of some streets in District 1 and are near local bus stops and parks.

Customers install the mobile app on their smartphones and fill out personal information to use the service. The app helps to locate the nearest station for users. After paying the user will be given a QR code to unlock a bicycle. The fees are at VND5,000 for 30 minutes and VND10,000 for an hour. The first 15 minutes of cycling are currently free of charge.

Tran Quang Lam, director of the HCM City Department of Transport, said that the service could reduce air pollution for the city. Early next year, HCM City will also pilot electric bus services.

Source: Dtinews