After nearly two years of non-action, city officials announced that Beijing subway and bus fares are up for debate… still. Today the city announced more intense and speculative plans, according to Xinhua:
Subway Plan A:
RMB2 base fare for the first three kilometers, and RMB3 between three to six kilometers.
For distances ranging between six to 18 kilometers, an additional RMB1 will be charged for every six kilometers.
For distances ranging between 18 to 42 kilometers, RMB1 is charged for every 12 kilometers.
For distances of 42 kilometers or more, RMB1 will be charged for every 18 kilometers.
Subway Plan B:
Base fare is RMB3 per person within the first six kilometers. All other distance-based pricing is the same as Plan A.
Regular commuters will be offered a discount of up to 50 percent.
Bus Plan A:
RMB1 base fare for the first five kilometers.
An additional RMB1 will be charged every ten kilometers.
For those holding a student card, a 50 percent discount will be offered.
There’s no discount for ordinary card holders.
Bus Plan B:
RMB2 base fare for the first ten kilometers.
RMB1 will be charged for every additional five kilometers.
A 75 percent discount will be given to student card holders, and a 50 percent discount for ordinary card holders.
Young children, the elderly and the disabled will be able to travel free of charge.
Again, the debate continues. There is still exact answer for how subway and bus fares will be increased or timeline for implementation. Authorities now plan to finesse the proposal based on public opinion - how that will be gauged is unclear - and then might implement it someday. Between banqueting, mistress-ing and handling those red hongbao's, the That's Beijing staff understands the pressure these bureaucrats are under.
The price increase looks to combat issues associated with system overcrowding and underfunding, as well as “urbanize” fares to those of Shanghai or Guangzhou, where 7 percent of city residents income goes toward their daily commute.
Officials have been discussing the proposed hike for nearly two years. At this point, the That’s Beijing staff wonders if they'll be alive to see the day fares are actually changed.
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