## China’s Zhuzhou Embraces Ride-Hailing Buses: A Smarter, More Affordable Commute
Zhuzhou, a city nestled in Hunan province, is experiencing a transportation revolution. Gone are the days of fixed bus routes and waiting at designated stops. Residents now have access to a smarter, faster, and more budget-friendly fleet of ride-hailing buses, offering a truly convenient and personalized commuting experience.
These cutting-edge buses, equipped with an innovative domestically designed navigation system, operate on a simple and affordable model. For just 2 yuan (about 28 cents), passengers can easily hail a shuttle bus through a mobile app, summoning it to one of nearly 100 “virtual bus stops” within five to ten minutes. This on-demand service operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., catering to a diverse area encompassing nine vocational colleges and several residential neighborhoods.
The 5.3-meter buses, developed by CRRC Electric Vehicle Co., are a testament to China’s technological advancements. They leverage advanced technologies like the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and big-data analytics, allowing for dynamic route creation based on passenger needs. This flexibility means the buses can navigate narrow roads without fixed routes or assigned stops, providing a truly tailored commuting experience.
The system’s intelligent platform plays a crucial role in optimizing routes and maximizing efficiency. When multiple ride requests come in, the platform intelligently groups passengers heading to nearby or similar destinations, creating a streamlined, shared route. This approach allows for direct, point-to-point service, adapting each trip dynamically to current demand rather than following a fixed schedule.
According to Liu Weidong, deputy general manager of Zhuzhou Bus, this fleet not only promotes low-carbon travel but also enhances intelligent transit operations, showcasing strong potential for both urban neighborhoods and remote industrial areas. This innovative initiative aligns with China’s broader goals of promoting sustainable and efficient public transportation systems.
China boasts a vast urban public transportation network. By the end of last year, the country operated 79,800 urban bus lines covering a total of 1.7 million kilometers, as stated by Wang Xiuchun, an official from the Ministry of Transport, during a news briefing on October 31st. Currently, 682,000 buses serve China’s urban areas, with approximately 81 percent of them being new-energy vehicles, highlighting the nation’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
The ride-hailing bus service in Zhuzhou is a testament to China’s evolving transportation landscape. This innovative project serves as a model for cities seeking to create more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly public transportation systems, while also promoting technological advancements in the transportation sector.
