The transportation services in Delhi have been expanding in the last two decades due to increasing demand. The rise in demand for transport services is attributed to various reasons such as the ever growing urban population (Bindloss 2009, p. 48). Car rental services have become very expensive and the present infrastructure can not support the high number of vehicles in the city.
It is approximated that Delhi has over 11 million vehicles that its current infrastructure can not support (Bindloss 2009, p. 52). Many transport companies have now switched to motor cycle rental services to meet the demand for quick, cheaper and convenient transport services.
Motor cycle rental services have become very popular in Delhi with over one hundred companies providing motor cycle rental services (Horton 2002, p. 122). Some companies have up to one thousand motor cycles available for hire. Motor cycles occupy less space on the road and are very popular because they are fast and convenient.
Motor cycle rental services are an integral part of public transport in Delhi with private companies and the Indian Tourism Ministry being the major players (Horton 2002, p. 146).
Private companies that offer motorcycle rental services must first of all obtain an operational permit from the Indian Ministry of Tourism before they begin offering motor cycle rental services. Motor cycle rental services are easily available and the majority of the local Delhi residents and tourists prefer renting them for joyriding and general transportation (Horton 2002, p. 146).
The taxi services are almost being phased out because of the emergence of motor cycle rental services. Most clients try as much as possible to avoid the traffic jams on Delhi roads by using rented motor cycles that facilitate easy navigation through the congested city (Abram 2004, p. 88).
There are quite a number of procedures that are normally followed when offering motor cycle rental services (Abram 2004, p. 34). To begin with, a client is supposed to deposit a security fee that is determined by the state of a motor cycle. The security deposit of a new motorcycle is definitely high compared to an old one. The security cost is 20-80k and the rent per day is Rs.400-800 (Abram 2004, p. 35).
The daily rent also depends on the condition and model of the motorcycle that a client wants to rent. Some motor cycle rental companies give their clients some discount on the daily rent depending on the number of motor cycles being hired.
It is also important to note that the clients can not be refunded their money if they return the motor cycle before the expiry of the stipulated time. Customers can request for some modification to be made on the motor cycle and their wishes must be provided by service providers (Horton 2002, p.157). A client can not rent a motor cycle without a two wheeler driving license.
Clients renting a motor cycle pay for all the repair costs incase any damages occur when they are in possession of the motor cycle. It is also important to note that both the client and the motor cycle provider must sign an agreement before the client is given a motor cycle (Decary 2012, p.156). Clients can not be allowed to ride a motor cycle without an insurance certificate according to the traffic laws in India.
This requirement applies to all the riders within India and the insurance cover can be either comprehensive or basic. Other common requirements for renting a motor cycle include a proof of residence and a foreign passport for tourists (Decary 2012, p.159). Delhi is a very big city and transportation services such as motorcycle renting should be encouraged for the city to meet its high demand for transportation services.
References
Abram, D 2004, South India, Rough Guides, New Delhi.
Bindloss, J 2009, Northeast India, Lonely Planet, New Delhi.
Decary, M 2012, Along the path: The mediator’s companion to the Buddha’s land, Pariyatti, New Delhi.
Horton, P 2002, Delhi, Lonely Planet, New Delhi.