Shanghai optimizes public transport services for expats ahead of CIIE

Preparations on improving public transport services are in full swing for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is set to take place from Nov 5 to 10 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

A highlight lies in the enhanced payment services for visiting foreigners. A multitude of taxis and metro stations in Shanghai have been equipped with POS machines that support major foreign card payment methods, including Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, American Express, DinersClub and JCB.

Nearly 1,000 cabs run by Shanghai's major taxi service providers, such as Dazhong Taxi Company and Qiangsheng Taxi Company, have been installed with POS machines accepting foreign cards, and the number is expected to reach 2,000 by the start of the expo, according to Dazhong Taxi Company.

The diverse ticket options offered by the Shanghai Metro, including single-journey tickets, 1-day passes and 3-day passes, can also be purchased with overseas bank cards to ensure flexible and cost-effective rides for foreigners.

Other measures and facilities will also be introduced to provide orderly and convenient transport services for all CIIE participants.

Bus service guide and real-time traffic information will be available for visitors via a QR code posted on buses running on Route 71, a special bus line to drop and pick up passengers at the NECC. Four shuttle bus routes from the expo venue to designated hotels will be in service during the CIIE session. The parking lots on the periphery of the venue will be open to online reservation with one hour in advance. Additionally, three new self-service lockers have been set up at the NECC Metro Station for passengers to deposit their luggage.

Zhang Zile contributed to this story.