The days of clerks selling train tickets at metro stations are
numbered with automatic ticketing machines set to be installed
across Shanghai's network.
The ticketing system upgrade of 35 stations is expected to be
completed by the end of next year. The scheme has already been
introduced in some metro stations.
With construction upgrade works already fast-tracked, the new
ticketing system will streamline ticket sales and cut operating
costs.
Shanghai plans to extend its current metro network of 145
kilometers to 400 kilometers over the next three years.
However, some commuters are skeptical about the new ticketing
system, saying the machines could encounter technical difficulties,
particularly during peak times.
I have started to use the automatic ticket vending machines at
metros and it seems as convenient as the manual selling way for me.
But I do not think the elder people in the city can easily accept
it because most of them might not know how to use it, and may even
be afraid of the machine. On many occasions I have seen young
people using the ticket selling machine while the older people line
up at the ticket selling windows.
Wu Yan, local white-collar
I think every metro station should at least keep a window open
to offer passengers manual ticket selling service, especially for
those from other parts of China and other countries. When I was
traveling in Europe, I always preferred to buy metro tickets from
clerks rather than machines, even though I understood the words on
the machine's screen. Metro stations are actually a place where
many people, some strangers, converge. There should be more
consideration of their needs.
Yu Hai, sociologist from Fudan University
The metro operator should especially make sure that these
automated machines work regularly if they want to cancel the manual
ticket selling service. Otherwise, machine failure could cause even
more trouble for passengers.
Echo Li, postgraduate who recently came to
Shanghai for an internship
(China Daily March 30, 2007)