The first three routes of Shanghai’s tailored bus services — non-stop from home to work and back — kicked off yesterday.
The services are operated by Shanghai Bashi Bus Group, the city’s largest bus company, and each route leaves in the morning near a major residential complex and returns from near a major transport hub in the evening.
The target group is commuters aged between 20 and 45.
“I would have to transfer three times to my workplace via public transportation for the same route,” a passenger surnamed Gu said, adding he was attracted by the nonstop feature.
“The online payment is also very convenient.”
Unlike traditional buses, all tickets have to be bought via the service’s official WeChat account‚ echengbus — and passengers scan the QR code on board for verification.
The tailored service uses 31-seat and 35-seat electric buses, which means only 31 or 35 tickets will be available every time. The good news is everyone will be seated.
Although most of the tickets yesterday were sold, not everyone turned up to board.
“Some might be late and missed the bus,” He Fang, an officer with the bus company told Shanghai Daily, adding the buses would stick strictly to schedule.
A bus company staffer, who did not want to be named, told Shanghai Daily that the timetable had been studied and tested before the service started.
Tickets are 1 yuan (15 US cents) for the first week but regular services will be between 5-7 yuan. He said the company plans to add four more routes by the end of the month.
