Hyderabad: An initiative to provide two-wheelers on rent to commuters at Metro Rail stations, launched around four years ago, is in limbo as the operator is yet to recover from losses incurred during the initial wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Most commuters are unaware of the service run by Vogo, the contracted firm. A few who are aware of the service said that the bikes are mostly unavailable.
A representative for Vogo said that there were 40 scooters at the Ameerpet Metro station initially, but 21 scooters are lying unused, awaiting inspection for repairs.
Parag Samal, a regular commuter, said many of his friends required last-mile connectivity from stations to their destinations, but were not aware of how to book the bikes.
V. Omkar and three of his friends tried to book bikes from Ameerpet on Tuesday. Despite 21 bikes being parked at the station, they were told that no bike was available and that they could rent bikes from the adjacent SR Nagar Metro Station.
Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) managing director N.V.S. Reddy said that while Vogo services were doing well earlier, they incurred heavy losses during the pandemic and have not been able to recover, even as HMRL was trying to revive them.
He said alternatives, such as Rapido bike taxis and MetroRide India, which provides electric vehicles for rent, were available. On being informed of the lack of awareness among commuters about these options, he said that the contractor, L&T, would be asked to publicise the services.
