Emergency escape windows will be installed on about 8,000 city buses before the 2010 World Expo opens in May next year, transport authorities have revealed.

All new buses must now be fitted with escape windows opposite the rear door, and old buses will be gradually fitted with the emergency windows.

Most air-conditioned buses don't have emergency exits, posing a concern after 27 passengers died and 74 were injured in a bus fire in southwest China's Chengdu City in Sichuan Province on June 5.

The accident led to Shanghai Communications, Transport and Port Bureau recommending dedicated escape windows for the city's bus fleet.

Safety standards were overhauled in April to equip new buses with warnings about engine overheating, surveillance cameras, automatic fire extinguishers and hammers for use in emergencies.

Last Thursday, seven people were injured when a bus carrying about 20 passengers caught fire in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

(Shanghai Daily September 7, 2009)