Shenzhen cuts metro and bus fares in half for APEC summit
Shenzhen will halve metro and bus fares during next month's APEC leaders' meeting to encourage green travel and ease road pressure. The city is also urging flexible work arrangements and inviting residents to voluntarily park their cars in exchange for commemorative gifts.
Shenzhen will cut metro and bus fares by 50 per cent during next month's APEC leaders' meeting, the municipal government announced on Thursday, as part of efforts to encourage residents to use public transport and reduce road congestion.
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen from 18 to 19 November. During the event, the city will increase public transport capacity and optimise the dispatch of taxis and ride-hailing vehicles to safeguard residents' daily travel needs, authorities said.
The government is also encouraging companies to adopt flexible working arrangements from 16 to 20 November, including working from home, staggered commuting hours and flexible start and finish times. Businesses are urged to prioritise green travel options such as buses and the metro for their employees.
In addition, Shenzhen has opened voluntary registration for residents who are willing to stop driving their private cars during the meeting period. Those who sign up will receive a commemorative card and a special commemorative car sticker, according to the authorities.
The measures are designed to lower pressure on the city's road network while ensuring smooth transport for both residents and participants of the international summit.