The Bangalore-based bike-sharing platform Yulu has been introduced as a solution to pollution and traffic congestion. However, students in Viman Nagar have begun to view it as an alternative means of transport for many reasons. Now, it’s no surprise that being a student and living frugally go hand-in-hand, but the hike in petrol and diesel prices has made it near-impossible for them to rely on autos or taxis for commuting, which is where Yulu comes in. Yulu integrates the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and AI, and cloud computing to provide a smooth and seamless experience via a user-friendly app. Yulu’s dockless bicycles may be rented easily and utilized on a pay-per-use basis, thanks to IoT. When people use the smartphone app to book a ride, the QR code unlocks the bicycle for the service. After paying a security deposit of Rs. 100, the ride charges Rs. 10 for the first 30 minutes and Rs. 5 for every subsequent 30 minutes. The app also allows you to keep the vehicle with you overnight with additional charges, provided you keep it safe at home. Residents of the locality have become frequent users of Yulu. Gauri Prasanth, a student of SSLA, recounts her experience using the bikes, “I have dance classes daily, and autos take 40 rupees as the base charge. Yulu has made it far cheaper and more convenient for me.” Another resident, Sanjay Wilson, uses it daily to go to the gym and shares how it has become an irreplaceable part of his routine. All in all, Yulu has undoubtedly made an impact on the way Viman Nagar residents move about their day.
10 Mar 2023
Rania Ashraf Ali
