Sit-ups for Free Rides Trends Across The Globe
In a unique initiative, the Moscow government is providing free travel in the city metro rail transport. In order to get this free token, one must perform 30 sit-ups within two minutes to enjoy the free ride.
Also, rather than using humans to take the account of sit-ups, they have installed machines at the metro stations which count it. The machine is equipped with a camera and various sensors so that it doesn’t miss any sit-up performed by the free travel seeking traveller. When he/she completes the 30 sit-ups challenge, the machine dispenses the token acclaiming the free metro ride. Failing to complete the challenge can cost the pocket 30 rubles.
The initiative was started in 2013 as a part of the government health scheme. Squat-for-ticket machines were installed only at a single metro station of the city and the government is working on a larger plan of taking it to more metro stations. Also, according to online reports, this move just came before the Sochi Winter Olympics which helped the government to implement this rewarding scheme aimed at improving the health of the citizens.
Further, taking inspiration from Moscow, Mexico has also installed these machines at the metro stations and are also providing free travel to the passengers. Although, the only twist in Moscow’s free ride is that instead of performing 30 sit-ups, Mexicans can avail it with just ten sit-ups.
Singapore government in association with Prudential is also offering free rides to the travellers who can perform 20 sit-ups in 40 seconds.
In India, the Delhi government has laid out plans for free metro and bus travel for women ensuring their safety in the city. Further, if the government aims to make the travel free for some sit-ups, it can lead to improved health of the Delhiites.
