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.