In some big cites like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Harbin, many buses and tramcars are now equipped with LCD TVs to entertain passengers with regular viewing content.

Beijing’s buses broadcast full color TV programs on information technology, cultural life, finance, real estate, automobiles, electronics, and entertainment. The TVs will also introduce bus routes, stations and scenery spots on major bus lines.

Guangzhou got its first “audio and visual” bus in October last year, and the city plans to equip its 2,500 buses with multimedia facilities.

In March 2002, the Harbin Bus Company began cooperating with a Hong Kong Company to install LCD TVs in its 500 buses, accounting for one sixth of the city’s total buses. Programs are shown using VCD players, and refreshed every three days.

On the No.3 bus, a quiz show is screened. The host asks: “The letter G is on which button of your cell phone?” Many passengers seek out their cell phones looking for the answer, some smile like little children after getting the answer. One passenger said how boring it was taking the bus half an hour each way everyday before TVs were introduced. Now it’s fun because the onboard atmosphere is so much better, thanks to bus TVs.

Of course, advertisers will never let an opportunity to promote their products pass, even on buses. “It’s not a bad way to see new products.” one passenger was quoted as saying. “Maybe one day I will find a job through one of TV advertisements,” a young man said.

Experts warn that watching too much TV on a bumpy bus can lead to muscle spasms, so passengers should take care while watching TV.

(China.org.cn by Li Liangdu, November 14, 2002)