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在线翻译:
szdaily -> In depth -> 
Bicycle rentals rise, operators suffer loss
    2011-06-21  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    Han Ximin

    BICYCLE rental service operators hoped the government would promote the service citywide to minimize their losses, though the service is gaining popularity after the opening of new Metro lines.

    Shanghai Forever Bicycle Co. started a bicycle rental service in September last year by investing 3.5 million yuan (US$539,000) to build 16 rental stations in Shekou.

    Yet it suffered a heavy loss, though the service is popular.

    According to manager Huang, the company had issued 3,200 cards by the end of March for 350 bicycles. Each bicycle was rented 3.5 times a day on average and helped solve the commuting problems of 1,200 residents.

    But the company is suffering a loss because the bicycle service is free for the first one hour and it only earned 3,000 yuan in half a year. However, the investment in operation, salaries, installation of bicycle stands and bicycles reached 3 million yuan.

    “Bicycle rental should be a project for the public good, which needs promotion, planning and support from the government,” Huang said.

    Shenzhen Fanqi Bicycle Rental Service Co. has a network of 18 rental stations with 1,000 bicycles. It charges 30 yuan monthly. Jiang Xibo, founder of the company, said it had invested 1 million yuan, which includes 100,000 yuan in loans and start-up subsidies from the government. He said it needed support to set up more rental stations to form an extensive network before it could generate profit.

    At Tian’an Cyber City service station in Fuitan, an outlet of Fanqi, a staff member surnamed Zhang said he had 50 regular customers and could earn 1,500 yuan a month. “It is hard to live on bicycle rental, I have to sell groceries on the side to survive,” said Zhang.

    The Shenzhen transport commission said it was considering setting up rental stations near some key Metro stations, following the practices in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Private investors will be authorized to operate bicycle rental services and the government will buy some.

    In Hangzhou, the government invested in the construction of bicycle-related projects and invited enterprises to bid for the operation of rental services. Residents can rent bicycles with public transport IC cards and enjoy free rides for the first hour.

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