Beijing subway and bus fares to increase on December 28th 2014

This is the end of the unique fare whatever the distance you travel… the end of the 2 RMB per trip for Beijing’s public transportation system. The price hike decided by theBeijing’s municipal government will go into effect on December 28.

The objective of this price hike is to reduce the subsidies of the public transportation system by the government.The city’s subway operator is encoutering a loss of billions of yuan in 2013 due to rising operational and construction costs as well as the cheap fare.Beijing’s subway system transports an average of 8.5 million people daily and people shared their anger on social networks after the price hike was confirmed.

How the new system does apply?

  • Single journey on the city’s subway for a trip of < six kilometers = 3 yuan
  • Single journey on the city’s subway for a trip from 6 to 12 kilometers = 4 yuan
  • Single journey on the city’s subway for a trip from 12 to 32 kilometers = 1 additional yuan per every 10 kilometers traveled on top of the basic fare
  • Single journey on the city’s subway for a trip of > 32 kilometers = 1 additional yuan per every 20 kilometers traveledon topof the basic fare
  • Single journey on the city’s bus: 2 yuan for the first 10 kilometers
  • Single journey on the city’s bus: 1 yuan charged for every 5 kilometers on top of the basic fare.

More than half of passengers traveled between four kilometers and 17 kilometers in 2013: fare will increase from 2 RMB to 4 – 5 RMB for those passengers.

Reductions applies

  • Public transportation card holders : 50 % off a single-journey fare,
  • Student carrying transportation cards : 75 %off bus fare for a single trip.
  • Passengers who spend 100 yuan within a month on public transportation (from 1st of the month):
    • 20 % discount on exceeded fare prices up to 150 yuan.
    • 50% discount on exceed fare prices after reaching 150 yuan.

Calculate what it will mean for you! And do not hesitate to share it in the comments of this post!

Sources:

http://english.cri.cn/12394/2014/11/27/3781s854098.htm

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1649929/public-anger-beijing-cuts-bus-and-subway-ticket-price-subsidies

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/27/us-china-transportation-idUSKCN0JB08Q20141127