New app to provide bicycle service for Subang KTM commuters

SUBANG JAYA: Those alighting at the Subang Jaya KTM station will now have another option to move to their preferred destination, thanks to a new initiative introduced by KTM Berhad (KTMB).
The oBike, a bicycle rental service that is based on the concept of 'Station-less Bicycle Sharing Service', allows commuters to move from the commuter station to their destination and vice versa in a much faster, convenient way.
"The objective for us to have the bicycle rental service here is to further enhance the existing comprehensive transportation network between two destinations as we strongly believe that such services will allow KTMB to improve the first and last mile connectivity.
"At the same time, such services will also be able to strongly promote and instill the idea of healthy living and 'going green' through cycling," KTM General Manager for Commuter Service Khair Johari Ishak told reporters during the launch of the service earlier today.
He added that KTMB is confident such services will have a positive impact and will add value towards the public transportation industry as it might be able to attract the interest of people in trying out the bicycle service.
He also revealed that KTMB have identified a few other stations suitable for such services.
He said 15 oBikes are ready to be rented out to the public and KTM commuters.
oBike (M) Sdn Bhd business owner Ng Yong Ching mentioned to reporters that since the introduction of oBike in Bandar Sunway two months earlier, the public reception towards the service has been very encouraging.
"We developed oBike to provide a sustainable, convenient short-distance transportation solution that will save people time and energy while avoiding traffic jams in the Klang Valley," Ng said at the press conference.
To utilise the service, Ng said one just need to download the oBike mobile app that will allow them to reserve and locate the nearest available oBike within their vicinity.
"After a bicycle has been reserved, the app will prompt the users on the distance and time required to walk to their chosen bicycle.
"To unlock the bicycle, user will need to scan the QR code located on the bicycle with the app and once they reach their destination, they can just park them at any designated public bicycle parking area and our on-ground team will retrieve the bicycle via the bicycle's GPS," Ng explained.
Ng pointed out that ride charges for each of the oBike are RM1 per 15 minutes and payment is done by deducting the amount the users have pre-loaded into the app via their credit or debit card when they sign-up.