Bangkok has launched a bike rental scheme across 50 locations within the inner Thai capital to ease traffic conditions, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Teerachon Manomaipibul says the project will offer an alternative mode of transport for commuters travelling between each skytrain and subway station.

More than 100 bicycles are available for rent and up to 500 bikes will be ready by next February.

The first 15 minutes of a bike ride is free, with 10 baht (US$0.326) charged for an hour and up to 80 baht (US$2.605) for eight hours.

Each bicycle will be equipped with a GPS system.