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Public Bus Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:00:00 AM
 The earliest public bus in Beijing emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and now has a history of over 80 years. Beijing now has a much improved transport system, which includes buses of various types traveling along multitudinous lines. The bus transportation system resembles a spider web proliferating throughout roads and streets. Bus lines have already reached nearly 1,000, providing passenger transport for almost 4.5 billion people a year. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:01:47 AM
There are urban lines (bus No.1 to No. 122), night buses (bus No. 201 to 212), suburban lines (bus No. 300 to No. 949), air-conditioned buses (beginning with '8'), double-decker buses (beginning with '特'- Te in Chinese means 'special'), and tourist buses that travel along special lines taking in the many scenic spots. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:43:42 AM
In order to improve the capital's environmental quality, many of the old buses have been replaced by energy-saving green buses. New buses are also equipped with electronic bus-stop announcements, IC card readers, electronic monitors, and passenger-monitoring devices. The bus company is continuing to upgrade bus signs on street signs to show bus numbers and bus routes including the bus departure and terminus. Signs will also be lighted so that they are clearly visible at night. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:44:07 AM
In addition, some of the buses in Beijing are installed with mobile television. Live broadcast televisions can be viewed on the bus if the bus is traveling under the speed of 120 kilometers (74.56 miles) per hour. Broadcast times are from 06:00 to 23:00 daily, when buses are in operation. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:45:34 AM
Bus Ticket Bus fare can be either a flat or measured fare. Some buses are installed with IC Card (Integrated Circuit Cad) readers. When card readers are absent, the conductor is essential. Self-service ticketing buses are marked on the exterior of the bus or on bus signs. Before you board the bus, it is best to have the correct change ready. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:47:30 AM
Traveling by public bus in Beijing is relatively inexpensive. The fare is determined by the type of bus and the distance traveled. As a guide, you can expect to pay the following rates indicated below in table 1. The flag down rate for the common bus is generally CNY 1.00 and the fare will increase according to the distance to your destination. Basically, CNY 1.00 will be added for every 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), while others add every 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). All prices are clearly marked on bus signs. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:47:55 AM
Table 1: Bus Fares
Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:50:47 AM
Special attention: 1. Since January 1, 2007, with a 'Yikatong' (一卡通) IC card in hand, people have enjoyed a 60% discount in 447 bus routes (including the buses beginning with '运通'), and students enjoyed an 80% discount. For most bus lines adopt the IC card readers, you will spend at most CNY 0.4 for your trip, even when taking an air-conditioned bus. While in the buses beginning with 9 (909 to 996) and the special bus lines ('专线'), for example, Huangxiang Zhuanxian (黄向专线), you can enjoy a 20% discount using a 'Yikatong' IC card. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:51:16 AM
2. The above-mentioned preferential treatment is invalid on long distance public buses. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:51:36 AM
3. You could add money to your 'Yikatong' IC card in increments of CNY 10.00. The smallest amount you could add is CNY 10 and the largest is CNY 500, with a limit of CNY 1000. When you purchase the card for the first time, you have to pay CNY 20 as the deposit. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:06:35 AM
4. If your baggage occupies the area equal to a standing passenger, you will be charged another ticket for your baggage. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:06:40 AM
5. Some public buses in Beijing will examine the passengers' tickets when they get off the bus; a conductor will view your ticket, so keep it with you at all times whilst traveling on the bus. Tips for Taking Public Buses: Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:52:37 AM
1. Check your bus number and destination before boarding the bus. Many names of places are the same, and this may cause some confusion. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:07:19 AM
2. Traffic jam occurs frequently in Beijing, especially during the rush hour (06:30-09:00 and 17:00-19:00). Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:07:39 AM
3. If the bus is equipped with a conductor as well as an electronic bus-stop announcement, the bus-stop name will be initially announced by the machine and then repeated by the conductor. On self-service ticketing buses, the bus-stop announcement is repeated by the driver after the electronic announcement. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:08:51 AM
Some buses along the route of Chang'an Jie or places where there are more foreigners announce the stop names in both Chinese and English. Inform the conductor or other passengers of your destination in advance. Assistance can then be provided when approaching your stop. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:09:10 AM
4. The names of bus stops are written in Chinese characters, and only a few drivers or conductors can give the name of the stops in English. When taking a bus, you can write the Chinese name of your destination and show it to the driver or conductor for help if you cannot speak Chinese. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:09:16 AM
5. On a bus stop board, you can find information such as the number of the bus, departures, terminus, first runs, last runs, and the name of the current stop. Last Update : 12/3/2007 2:54:21 AM
The first and last runs are shown respectively by Chinese characters '首班' and '末班'. The stops listed vertically on the board are under a set of consecutive numbers. There is always a long arrow (→) under the names of the stops, and the directions of the arrows indicate the directions that the bus travels. Also, some show the ticket fare of the bus on the board. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:09:42 AM
6. If your trip is a little long, BeijingTrip.com suggests takings the subway first and then transferring to the public bus. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:09:49 AM
7. The newest Beijing map, available at bookstalls, provides detailed line information and all bus numbers in Chinese. If you are not familiar with the routes, ask the conductor for help, since the re-routing for public lines often occurs. Last Update : 12/3/2007 3:09:54 AM
8. Theft is a problem on the bus transport system. Money, mobile phones and other valuables need to be kept well secured especially when boarding and exiting the bus.
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