The last few years have delivered rapid expansions to Shanghai’s Metro networks, and now it seems the city will boost the above-ground transportation as well. According to Xinmin, additional medium capacity bus routes will spring up after the debut of No.71 bus last year.
The medium volume transit system, distinguished from small volume system (i.e. buses) and large volume system (i.e. metro), is designed to complement the capacity of a conventional transportation system. “Larger buses are pivotal to the city’s ‘public transport first’ strategy.” Xie Feng, director of Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, told Shine.
Bus route 71, the city’s first medium capacity bus, made its debut back in February, 2017. Covering a distance of 17.5 kilometers, the bus runs along Yan’an Dong Lu and Gaohong Lu. Since March of this year, its daily average number of passengers has reached 46,000, which may explain why the commission is considering to replicate its success.
Image via Huanqiu
According to Xie, the first route, from Zhaojia Bang Lu to Lujia Bang Lu, is expected to link the Nanpu Bridge area to Xujiahui. “That being said, we are still pondering whether to set an exclusive bus lane or not.” comments Xie.
The second route Xie lists, which is already under construction, starts from Zhoujia Zui Lu in Yangpu District and ends at Changning Lu in Changning District.
“The transit system could serve Pudong well, too. Numerous residential communities there have brought about a large need for public transportation.” Xie says, hence the last route, which will pass through Pujian Lu and Hunan Lu.
Image via Netease
Nonetheless, contrary to the commission’s enthusiasm to build medium volume transit systems, lots of netizens display indifference to it, accusing it of being a total waste of public resources.
The bus route 71 already aroused reproach since its opening to the public. “I don’t quite understand the meaning of the existence of No.71 bus,” Han Han, renowned writer of Shanghai, complains on Weibo. “Yan’an Lu was already congested. Yet, they carved out an exclusive 24/7 bus lane. Moreover, according to the regulation, it’s still unavailable to us even outside its operating time.”
Image via Huangpu
For sure, the opening up of additional bus routes will bring convenience when traveling around this great city. However, I think we can all agree the regulations around their usage can be made more flexible before being put into operation.
[Title Image via JF Daily]
