Metro

No, this isn't about China's new "problem" with metrosexuals (though if you are looking for two differing opinions on that, here is an Asian take on it.) This post is about why Ben and I are in China, the Metro or Subway.

Chang Chang (Smooth Traffic) - Shanghai Metro's Mascot

Unlike when we were in Shenyang, where they were putting in the first metro line, Shanghai has 11 lines plus a maglev making it the longest metro system in the world. This makes it incredibly easy to go anywhere using the Metro.  You can buy a single-trip ticket or a public transportation card which can be used for the Metro, the buses or even the taxis! The metro rides are a whopping ¥3, which is less than 50 cents.

Why do I think the Metro succeeds here? First, it doesn't just succeed here, it does everywhere that there is one. But for Shanghai, here are the reasons:

1. The system is entirely user-friendly. There are maps everywhere and even interactive ones on touch screen computers.

2. The system goes everywhere, nothing is a far walk from a Metro station.

3. The system is cheap, to take a taxi it costs ¥12 just to get in and an additional ¥2.4 for each km after the first 3km, not to mention that it is more expensive after 11pm.

Because of these reasons the system is convenient. I have become so use to the Metro, that I am starting to worry about going back to Pittsburgh, where we have a public transportation system that is not only shrinking, but always seems to be on the brink of destruction. There are a significant amount of cars in China, as well as mopeds, bikes and various other bi-pedal wheeled vehicles. When we were in Shenyang, someone said that Chinese had gotten a taste of personal vehicles and they thought the Metros wouldn't be as popular. Sometimes the trains are nice and comfortable like this, where you can even find a seat:

During the afternoon, on our way to lunch.

But it is also, especially during commuting hours or weekends, like this too:

On our way back that Saturday evening

This might seem like a drawback for some people, especially Americans where "person space" is cultural. I like it better, because I feel like a part of something in a weird metaphorical way. Also, you don't have to hold on because the train is so packed with people you all kind of move together and with the train.

I hope that we can adopt some of China's transportation infrastructure and get moving. It took London 120 years to create its 408km of Underground, Shanghai did it in only 15 years, what will it take us?

Links:

8 Things You Didn't Know About the Shanghai Metro

Wiki - Shanghai Metro