Shanghai expands "open fare gates" piloting to facilitate subway passenger flows

Shanghai on Saturday expanded its piloting of an "open fare gates" mode at subway stations in a bid to facilitate passenger flows during rush hours.

In April, Shanghai started keeping turnstile gates open at Zhanghuabang Station on Line 3, Yangshupu Station on Line 4 and Wuzhong Road Station on Line 15, so that the passengers could enter or leave the stations more quickly after paying with their transport cards or smart phones.

Shanghai on Saturday increased the pilot station number to 21 to collect data until June next year, when relevant authorities will assess the data and decide whether to further the measure.

"It's convenient and smart, with the passengers passing through the fare gates fast," said a passenger.

"We will continue to arrange staff and volunteers to guide the passengers, until the passengers get comfortable with the measure," said Chen Lei, an official with Line 9 of Shanghai Metro.

Shanghai expands "open fare gates" piloting to facilitate subway passenger flows

The Chinese military has continued to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of and airspace over the Huangyan Dao as well as the surrounding areas in the South China Sea since the beginning of December, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said Wednesday.

The PLA Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces troops to reinforce patrols and vigilance, further strengthening control and management over the relevant areas.

The move has effectively addressed various infringement and provocations, with an aim to safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command.

Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao