The day before yesterday, the public bicycle system in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province, entered its trial run phase. Currently, there is a surge in the popularity of public bicycle rental cards in the park. It is foreseeable that public bicycles will become highly favored by both residents and tourists. On the streets and alleys of the park, rows of public bicycles will form a flowing “green scenic line.” So, how can you borrow, return, and use the public bicycles in the park? Our reporter went to explore the process for you.
Quick and Easy Rental Card Application at Neighborhood Service Centers in Just Three Minutes
How do you get a public bicycle rental card? Yesterday, our reporter went to Hudong Neighborhood Service Center to apply for one. After showing the relevant identification to the staff, filling out an application form, and paying the necessary fees, the reporter obtained the rental card in just three minutes.
The staff said that rental cards can be applied for daily from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Xincheng Neighborhood Service Center and Hudong Neighborhood Service Center. Additionally, to meet the high demand for applications, today seven neighborhood service centers — Guidu, Xincheng, Shihuifang, Qinyuan, Linglong, Hudong, and Fangzhou — are all processing applications simultaneously. If you can’t find one right away, look out for the green posters for public bicycles around the park; the application points will be nearby.
It’s worth noting that residents with local park household registration must present their ID card, household registration book, or property ownership certificate, along with paying a 10-yuan card issuance fee. Other residents need to present their ID card and temporary residence permit, and pay a 200-yuan deposit and 10-yuan card issuance fee to apply and use the service. Temporary visitors to the industrial park can also apply and use the service by presenting their ID card, paying a 200-yuan deposit, and a 10-yuan card issuance fee. The eligible age range for applying is 16 to 70 years old.
Ride Freely for 90 Minutes with a “Trust Score” System
Where can you borrow a public bicycle? At public intersections, bus stops, residential community entrances, and other locations, you’ll easily find rows of green bicycles quietly waiting. The first batch of public bicycles covers the western and eastern areas of Jinji Lake, with plans to set up 65 public bicycle stations and deploy 1,880 bicycles. The stations are centered around residential communities, public facilities, and established commercial areas, covering the western and eastern parts of Jinji Lake.
The reporter found a public bicycle station near the entrance of Qixinjie Neighborhood Fresh Market at Hudong Neighborhood Service Center. The borrowing process is very simple, essentially just “swipe and take.” The reporter placed the rental card on the card reader of the smart lock post, and after the “please take the bike” voice prompt, the electronic lock opened, and the public bicycle was automatically “delivered.”
Residents are reminded that public bicycles can be used for 90 minutes at a time. When nearing the time limit, users can return the bike at a nearby station and borrow another. If the time limit is accidentally exceeded, 20 trust points will be deducted from the rental card. After five such deductions, the user will need to reapply for a new card. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary trouble, users should pay close attention to the time limits during use.
Return First, Then Swipe — All Smart Information Is Easily Accessible
After trying out a ride, the reporter chose a nearby station to return the bike. It was noted that when returning, the bike’s front wheel clamp must be aligned with the slot on the smart lock post and gently pushed inward; a “click” sound indicates it’s locked. Finally, place the rental card on the card reader area to complete the return.
To check public bicycle-related information, users can swipe their card on the smart station controller. By swiping the rental card on the controller’s card reader area, the display will show the card number, card status (e.g., lost or not), deposit status, whether the bike is borrowed, remaining balance, and the last borrowing/returning information (including time, station, and bike number).
It’s worth mentioning that the station controller also allows users to check information about surrounding stations, including available bikes and empty slots at nearby stations. If a user can’t borrow or return a bicycle at one station, they can easily go to a neighboring station to do so.
