Despite popularity, operational losses force suspension of eco-friendly ride

Mysuru: Mysuru’s popular public bicycle-sharing service, MyByk Trin Trin, will cease operations after tomorrow (Oct. 31), bringing an end to a service launched in 2017 to promote eco-friendly transport in the city.

Despite its popularity, mounting operational losses have forced the company to suspend the service. Trin Trin was launched on June 4, 2017, by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) in association with the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT).

The service was initially operated on a contract basis by Greenpedia Bike Share Private Limited with regular bicycles. In 2023, pedal-assisted e-bicycles were introduced to make daily commuting easier, particularly on steep stretches.

The service attracted 300 to 400 users daily and had over 20,000 lifetime subscribers.

Bicycle docking stations were set up at 48 locations across the city, including Mysore Palace, Railway Station, KSRTC Bus Stand, Kukkarahalli Lake and Jaganmohan Palace. With operations set to end after Oct. 31, the docking stations are being dismantled. Some have already been removed, while work is underway to clear the remaining locations.

Public response was good

The e-bicycles, which could reach speeds of 25 to 30 kmph, received a good response from commuters. Based on user feedback and demand, the authorities had even considered increasing the fleet from the existing 300 to 500 bicycles.

However, the rising costs of repairs, battery charging and maintenance of parking facilities made the service increasingly difficult to sustain.

R. Yashwanth, City Manager of Trin Trin, said the public bicycle-sharing system had received an encouraging response but was being temporarily suspended for certain reasons.

Staff of Greenpedia Bike Share Private Limited told Star of Mysore that despite the strong public response, the company could no longer bear the continuing operational losses, prompting the decision to suspend the service.

Over the years, Trin Trin became a commuting option for college and school students, office-goers and daily wage earners.

Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, people used the bicycles for essential travel and morning exercise. Its suspension now brings an end to a public transport initiative that had become part of everyday life in Namma Mysuru.