A new bicycle renting scheme has recently been launched in Bangkok. Although mainly Thai university students have been using it the most so far, foreign tourists are also welcome to become a member. The Pun-Pun Bike Share scheme was first launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in October 2012 at two locations in central Bangkok. Then, in May 2013, ten more locations were added with a total of 50 to be finalized by the end of the year.
To join the scheme you need to register first. Membership costs 320 Baht per person. Out of this, 100 Baht is for one year’s insurance, 120 Baht for the smart card and 100 Baht credit. You then just need to top it up as and when you run out of money. To register you need to show an ID card or passport. You also need to be 18 years or older. The first 15 minutes of the ride is free. One hour is 10 Baht, 2-3 hours is 20 Baht, 3-5 hours is 30 Baht and 8 hours is 100 Baht. There is a fine of 500 Baht if bikes are not returned to any of the stations within one day.
The 12 stations include Chamchuri Square, Siam Square, Siam Center, Chula University 1 (Science Building), Chula university 2 (Opposite Triam Udom), MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World 1 (Rama 1 Rd), Central World 2 (Ratchdamri Rd), Krungsi (Ploenchit), Convent (North Sathorn) and Rajanakarn Building (South Sathorn). As these stations are quite near to each other, and as it is free for the first 15 minutes, you could, in theory, cycle for free from one station to the next. Useful maybe if you are at MRT Chamchuri Square and want to get to BTS Siam.
There are still some teething problems with the rental scheme. At most stations the ticket machine and bicycle racks are not working yet. And so each stations has an attendant for the foreseeable future. The day that I explored the stations, most attendants told me that they hadn’t rented out any bikes that day. Two other things that I was also concerned about was that they offered no helmets or locks. This could be dangerous to both your health and pocket. Where can you safely park your bike if you cannot lock it? And there is no way I would ride in Bangkok traffic without a helmet.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét