A total of 61 stations with about 600 bikes will be opened across five districts in the city. The stations are built near bus stops and crowded areas to attract users. VNA/VNS Photo

ĐÀ NẴNG — The central city of Đà Nẵng will launch a one-year pilot programme on providing public bicycles in a bid to reduce traffic congestion.

The scheme launches on March 29 in the hope of curbing personal vehicles, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting smart sustainable transport, according to the city’s Transport Department.

A total of 61 stations with about 600 bikes will be opened across five districts in the city. The stations are built near bus stops and crowded areas to attract users.

The cycles used in the programme are designed with an anti-theft lock, an ID card, locating device, and a solar charger. 

Charges must be paid in proportion to the time of use, VNĐ5,000 (US$0.21) for every 30 minutes, and VNĐ50,000 per day for each trip lasting 7.5 hours at maximum.

Bike users can pay via e-wallets including Zalopay, MoMo, and Payoo.

Bùi Hồng Trung, director of the city’s Transport Department said that after the pilot period, the department will review and consider expanding the scheme if it proves to be effective.

Other localities that have or trial public bike sharing are Hồ Chí Minh City, Hà Nội and Quy Nhơn cities. — VNS