A unique automated cycle hire system launches in Kazan

The city center now has 7 cycle stations with 100 bicycles, that can be hired by people over 16 around the clock.

The second stage of this project is due on the 1st of September, when the network will grow to 12 docking stations and 260 bicycles. The project should break even in five years. One bicycle costs several hundred Euros and is equipped with an anti-vandal system.

The first such project was launched in Vienna in 2002 by JCDecaux, starting a "bicycle revolution" in Europe. Today, Cyclosity program counts 67 cities and over 47,000 bicycles worldwide.

Every cycle hire station has at least 20 docking points. The fee is paid through veli-k.ru website. A 1 day, 7 day or 30 day travel pass costs from 30 to 200 Roubles. After the payment, an e-mail containing a password is sent to the person hiring the bicycle. The first 30 minutes after the purchase are free, whilst the next hour costs 50 Roubles, and every hour after that - 150 Roubles.

After the hiring, there is a two-minute gap to return the bicycle if it is damaged. The waiting period after a faulty bicycle is returned is 15 minutes, after which another one can be hired.
The docking stations should stay open from April to October.