[Photo] oBike, an unmanned bicycle rental service, launches in Suwon

On Dec. 12, Suwon became the first city in South Korea to implement an unmanned bicycle rental service which utilizes a combination of GPS and IoT technology. Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young announced during a ceremony in front of Hwaseonghaeng Palace that the city had partnered with oBike, a Singapore-based firm operating in 14 countries, to begin operations. Company COO Jin Chao Hui was also present for the event. Users interested in the service can download the O-bike app and begin using the bicycles immediately after paying a 29,000 won deposit (US$26.68). The deposit is returned when the member withdraws.

The city views the oBike service as an important component of meeting its carbon reduction goals. “Suwon City eventually aims to expand its existing 350 kilometer bike route across the city and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, double the national target,” said Mayor Yeom.