Shenzhen plans to center its public transport system on railways after the first phase of the Shenzhen Metro starts operating.

The public transport system would be readjusted and bus stops rebuilt around Metro stations, to provide easy transit between Metro stations and buses, officials with the municipal urban planning bureau said Monday. Taxi ranks will also be included in the new areas designated for public transport.

According to the plan, the bureau will gradually re-allocate bus routes that were not rationally designed.

The most lucrative routes are often run by two or more companies competing with each other. At the same time, a company may be running an exceptionally long distance on a less popular route.

The adjustment is to enhance the handling capacity of public buses running between the special economic zone and the outskirts of the city, as well as to standardize the operation of public transport providers.

Meanwhile, the bureau is also constructing a uniform infrastructure for public transport, as well as applying new technology in public transport operations, such as an electronic screen on buses to tell passengers the location of the bus. Electronic signboards will be installed at bus stops to let passengers know where buses are and give an estimated time of arrival.

The bureau will strengthen the supervision of public transport systems and companies by setting up a special inspection group. It will also standardize ticket fees for all public transport.

(Shenzhen Daily November 23, 2004)