Planning of Public Bicycle (Bike) Sharing System (PBSS): A Case Study of Surat City

Abstract

In recent years cycling has seen a new beginning, triggered by the thrust towards greater environmental consciousness. In cities where cycling shares are low, efforts are being made to promote cycling as a viable mode of transport. As an emerging economy, Surat is now facing urban challenges that are more complex than Delhi and Mumbai especially in the central zone, CBD area of Surat. Due to congested streets and other limitations, it is not feasible for the provision of other transportation modes in the center area of it and for this reason city planners are planning for providing Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS) in Center zone. To understand factors starring to bike sharing adoption and hindrance to adoption, the IUTI-SVNIT Team conducted an intercept survey in the Central zone between January to March 2017. The HH survey reveals that about 75% two-wheeler users and 78% car users are willing to use PBSS if implemented. The results from analysis give an idea about if PBS system is launch then daily commuters, Pedestrian etc get benefits & willing to use this types of NMT facility in their daily trips. The study identify total 81 potential docking station with 1920 fleet size using maximum coverage area method and minimum impedance method in three phase in GIS environment. Author expect that practitioner and researchers will find study useful to overcome the various issues such as short-term parking problem, reducing vehicular congestion, increase livability etc. of dense urban areas.