A BUS company recently placed vending machines on its electric buses, causing disputes among residents, as the machines were put in a space that was originally designated for the disabled, Shenzhen TV reported yesterday.

The reporter from Shenzhen TV took Bus 391 and interviewed the bus driver. According to the driver, the vending machine does occupy the space offered to the disabled, but the machine has been used quite frequently.

The reporter found that the vending machine is relatively bulky and residents can use WeChat to scan the QR code to buy drinks, which is no different from vending machines on the roadside.

According to Chen Yanjun, vice president of GOGO+, the company has currently put only two vending machines on Bus 391, which is mainly for trial operation and to measure user demand. They are now developing smaller vending machines.

Chen also admitted that the difficulties in the R&D process not only include enabling the machines to adapt to various electric bus models, but also public acceptance. He said the company will continue to investigate the needs of residents and adjust the machine’s design to ensure safety and a proper location.

As to whether vending machines can be placed at will on buses, a lawyer named Li Jun said the prohibition of eating and drinking on buses can be regulated by bus operators, but the act of occupying an area allocated for the disabled could be violating relevant regulations on urban public transport operation.

Li Jichao, a deputy to the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Congress, said the original intention of embracing innovation may be a good thing, but choosing buses to pilot the project is not suitable. Moreover, the government has subsidized public transport, so buses are not suitable for business.

According to a staffer surnamed Zhang with Shenzhen Eastern Bus Co. Ltd., the move was originally aimed at soliciting public opinion. The company will strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations and will immediately stop the project if anything is found to be inappropriate. (Zhang Yu)