Han Ximin

ximhan@126.com

THE city has adopted a 2-yuan (US$0.29) flat fare for the Long-hua tramline, which will be put into service at the end of this month, Shenzhen Metro Group said yesterday.

Automatic ticket selling, checking and verifying devices have been installed at stations.

Riders can buy tickets with WeChat or Alipay by scanning the QR code at the ticket dispensers. They can also buy tickets on the WeChat public account, “深圳有轨电车,” and the Alipay app. The apps will generate a QR code, which the users can scan to pass ticket check and verification devices at the tram station and on the trains. Shenzhentong card can also be used to pay the fare. Shenzhentong card holders and student card holders can enjoy discounts. In addition, Shenzhentong card holders can enjoy a reduction of 0.4 yuan per ride if they are transferring between a tram, Metro train or bus within 90 minutes. Elderly people above the age of 65 and physically challenged persons can enjoy free rides.

The ticket dispensers at stations only accept 1-yuan coins and 5- and 10-yuan banknotes. The operator reminded riders that the ticket is valid for 60 minutes after it is verified. Riders need to get off the trains within this time period, otherwise they will be treated as riding with invalid tickets.

If a rider is caught evading the purchase of tickets three times, the operator will report the ticket evaders’ information to the personal credit system.

Each train has an employee who will verify tickets with a hand-held device. Those without a ticket or with an invalid ticket will be required to buy a ticket and will receive a fine equal to 10 times the fare. More than 3 million residents in Longhua, Shenzhen’s most densely populated district, will benefit from the operation of the city’s first tramline. The 11.72-kilometer project will include an 8.59-kilometer main line running through 15 stations between Qinghu Station and Xinlan Station of Shenzhen Metro’s Longhua Line and a spur line, which will have five stations and run 3.13 kilometers along Huanguan Road South. The main line and the spur line will intersect at Dahe Station. The tramline will have three routes — two from Qinghu Station on Metro Line 4 to Xinlan Station and Xiawei Station, and one from Xinlan Station to Xiawei Station. The tram will operate at 10- to 15-minute intervals.