Bangkok--3 Nov--Total Quality PR
Mobike collaborates with Kasetsart University and Advanced Info Service to roll out its fleet of smart bikes to encourage bike-sharing as a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation
Mobike, the world's first and largest smart bike-sharing company, today announced it is commencing operations in Bangkok in the prestigious Kasetsart University, in partnership with Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand's leading mobile network.
Mobike is placing hundreds of smart bikes on the Kasetsart University grounds to provide over 60,000 students the convenience of traveling short distances. Kasetsart University's campus and community of students provides an ideal environment for Mobike to deploy its pilot program and collect feedback from users to create truly unique experiences for Mobike riders in Thailand. Over time, the number of smart bikes in the program will increase as Mobike rolls out its service across Bangkok, in collaboration with local partners.
Ahead of today's launch event, Mobike signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with local partners, Kasetsart University and Advanced Info Service, to implement its smart bike-share service in Bangkok. The co-operation between the three parties will generate great value for the city of Bangkok.
Mark Lin, Head of International City Operations of Mobike, said:
"Mobike is committed to expanding our smart bike-share service in the Thai market, and Bangkok is the ideal launchpad. The bike-sharing sector is relatively new in Thailand and given the country's vibrant economy, there is tremendous potential for growth. As a pioneer in the industry, Mobike has both the industry experience and smart technology expertise, including GPS and IoT technology, to manage the complexity of entering new markets and ensure a smooth roll-out of services. Mobike's operations are focused on being responsible, sustainable, and innovative as a partner with the community where we operate."
Mobike is deploying its classic model on Kasetsart University's campus, the smart bike incorporates the innovative design and functionality the company is becoming recognized for worldwide. This includes a chainless shaft transmission, non-puncture airless tires, a lightweight aluminum anti-rust frame, enhanced and durable disk-brakes, and an auto-inspired five-spoke wheel.
Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, said:
"I would like to thank Mobike and Advanced Info Service for choosing Kasetsart University to launch Mobike's operations, allowing our over 60,000 students to become the first Mobikers in Thailand. In anticipation of Mobike's arrival, we have enhanced the campus' landscape by expanding bicycle lanes and installing new road signs and street lights. We have also implemented 26 bike parking zones near classrooms, dormitories, the library, and canteen, among other areas. We fully expect the 'Mobike in KU' program to help make our school an even more environmentally friendly place for learning. Responsible bike-sharing usage is a top priority and we will encourage users to ride safely and park their bikes in the appropriate places. We are truly looking forward to welcoming Mobike at KU."
Thanks to AIS's innovation in wireless Internet network, Mobike's connectivity with its bikes and riders is on the smartest, most secure, and fastest network available. This exclusive partnership with AIS enables Mobike's proprietary smart fleet management technology and supports an excellent user experience for riders.
Mr. Han Kheng Lee, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Product and Solutions of Advanced Info Service, said:
"The partnership between AIS, Mobike, and Kasetsart University will create new opportunities and accelerate Thailand's plan to transform into a Smart City by combining a digital network capability, smartphones, and IoT technology (Internet of Things) to tackle transportation challenges in megacities. We're pleased to promote the Digital Ecosystem in Thailand, which is now comparable to other countries around the world. AIS is adopting its new service NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things), a smart internet network that enables a wide range of devices and services to be interconnected through cellular bands, as a medium to connect Mobike with cyclists for greater convenience. In addition, AIS is ready to support an expansion of Mobike's service in other cities throughout the country in the future."
Local celebrities Kamolned Ruengsri, actress and Kasetsart University alumni, and Kao Jarayu attended the launch event and were given the opportunity to trial Mobikes. They discovered for themselves the convenience and ease with which Mobikes can be unlocked using the Mobike app.
To use Mobike's service, riders simply need to register on the Mobike app and pay a one-time fully-refundable deposit of 99 Thai Baht. During the trial period from November to January, users can ride the bikes for free to experience the service. Following the promotional period, Mobike users will be charged the affordable price of 10 Baht for 30 minutes. Mobikers can look forward to exciting new promotions as the bike-share service expands into other cities in 2018.