Beijing bike rental service criticized

Beijing is running a pilot bike rental service in a bid to ease the city's gridlocked traffic and reduce pollution. The bikes will be available at over 60 share stations across the city, but the program has already run into controversy ahead of its launch.

The new bike rental service aims to cut congestion, and keep the people of Beijing fit and healthy.

2,000 bikes will be available at major subway exits. People can borrow one with just one swipe of the city's transportation smart.

　　They can also return the bike at any rental service station. The service is free for the first hour.

Jiao Tongmin in Beijing Transportation Committee says, "The bike rental network will continue to expand. 25,000 bikes are expected to be available by the end of this year."

However, the rental system has been widely criticized for discrimination. Right now it's only open to registered Bejing residents, excluding migrants, foreigners and tourists.

　　Officials say the scheme will be expanded as more bikes become available.

The Beijing bike rental service follows a similar one in Hangzhou that was launched 4 years ago to wide public acclaim.

The Hangzhou service simply requires an ID card and isn't just limited to local residents.

A migrant in Hangzhou says, "It is convenient, cost effective and environmental-friendly."

In contrast with many bike-share systems abroad, the city has embedded a paypoint directly into the bikes.

This makes it easier for a user to end a rental by simply swiping the card over the bike itself and walking away.