Suwon Launches New Bike-Sharing Service 'TAZO'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City, KT, and Omnisystem held a launch event for 'TAZO' (TAZO), Suwon's new unmanned bike-sharing service, on the 21st in front of Suwon City Hall.

The event was attended by Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young, Cho Seok-hwan, chairman of Suwon City Council, Kim Jun-geun, executive vice president of KT, and Park Hye-rin, CEO of Omnisystem.

'TAZO,' Suwon's new unmanned bike-sharing service, was created through a collaboration between Suwon City, KT, and Omnisystem. In February, the city signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding for Suwon-type Unmanned Bike-Sharing Business Cooperation' with KT and Omnisystem.

Through the agreement, the city will expand infrastructure such as bicycle parking lots and dedicated bike lanes necessary for the unmanned bike-sharing business and provide administrative support. KT will develop a bike-sharing operation platform, wireless communication systems, and locking devices. Omnisystem will supply bicycles based on these systems, operate user apps, and oversee overall service provision.

Since the 4th, 100 TAZO bikes have been operating in a pilot program in Yeongdeungpo-gu area. Starting from the 28th, a total of 1,000 bikes will be deployed for official service. An additional 2,000 bikes are planned to be deployed in the first half of next year to expand the service.

The unmanned bike-sharing system does not require bike racks or unmanned information kiosks. Using a smartphone, users can easily rent and return GPS-equipped bicycles from bike parking spaces throughout the city.

To use the shared bikes, users must download the 'TAZO' app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After signing up and registering a credit or debit card, users can scan the QR code on the bike with their smartphone to start using it.

The usage fee is 500 won for 20 minutes (base fee), with 200 won charged for each additional 10 minutes. A 30-day pass costs 10,000 won.

TAZO operates a dedicated call center (1577-5942) and a website (https://www.tazo.kr).

Mayor Yeom Tae-young said, "I hope TAZO will become an iconic eco-friendly transportation service for Suwon," and added, "If any issues arise as citizens use TAZO, we will work with KT and Omnisystem to resolve them immediately."