Shenzhen Metro Launches Controversial Business Class Carriage

2016/07/22

Chen Xiaoli

A series of photos showing the huge difference of passenger flow between business class and economy class of the newly opened Metro Line 11 in south China's Shenzhen city went viral online.

Photos taken on July 21 showed the business class carriage almost empty, while the economy class was full of passengers and overcrowded.

It has been less than one month since Line 11 put into operation, Chinanews.com reported.

A staff member from Shenzhen Metro was quoted as saying that there aren't so many passengers taking business class carriages in normal times, but they are often fully occupied on the weekends.

According to Shenzhen Metro's official website, the Metro Line 11 has two fares. It has six regular carriages and two business class carriages.

Business class is three times the fare of economy class. Standard class fares range between 2 and 10 yuan, with business class ranging between 6 and 30 yuan.

Some Chinese netizens complained that the business class in subway is totally unnecessary and seemingly a waste of public resources. Someone also said social class differences shouldn't exist in subway service.

But there are different voices. Some netizens said they're willing to spend more money to enjoy a more comfortable ride. They applauded the innovation of the Metro service.

Someone also suggested that it's more reasonable to have a carriage especially for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and children.

What's your opinion?

Most Read

Shenzhen Metro Launches Controversial Business Class Carriage

Email this to your friend