The modern metropolis of Shanghai amazes many experienced travelers with its skyscrapers, financial centers and rushing people in business suits. It would seem that the movement of urban transport is difficult and incomprehensible. But it turns out that the transport system in this million-plus city works clearly and without failures. Each type of transport operates on schedule.
Metro - urban mode of transport
One of the urban modes of transport is the Shanghai metro, the photo of which is given below. If the city did not have a metro, it is hard to imagine how Shanghai would exist today. People would not be able to get home or to the place of work, and city buses and trams were seriously overloaded.
And in general, urban transport without the metro would not only be overloaded, but simply could not cope with the flow of people who want to get from one point to another. Therefore, the subway for Shanghai is an important mode of transport that serves approximately 7 million people daily, and its length has already reached 420 kilometers.
It is important to note that the Shanghai metro today is an inexpensive, fast and convenient way to move around the city. This type of transport is enjoyed by both local residents and numerous tourists.
Metro schedule
Shanghai boasts one of the fastest growing subways in the world, which is constantly growing and expanding. The Shanghai Metro as of 2017 represents 15 lines. In addition, there is a branch from line No. 1 connecting the city with Pudong Airport. The important thing is that almost all lines intersect with each other, and line number 3 passes above the ground.
The first train leaves the line at about 5-6 in the morning. At about 10-11 o’clock in the evening, its activities in the Shanghai Metro end. The working hours of the metro seem incomprehensible to many visitors.
But it turns out that the Shanghai metro, the opening hours of which at the first acquaintance look strange, depend on the subway line. So, the closing and opening times are different for each particular line. At each station, on a special board, the time of departure of the first and last train from this station is indicated.
Some features
The Shanghai Metro has a main ring line, as well as radial lines. You should know that the ring route - line No. 4 and the radial route - line No. 3 partially coincide. Therefore, visitors must be especially careful, otherwise you can not go where you want.
When entering the metro, attach a card to the validator. When leaving the subway, if a person was traveling on a reusable card, he again applies it to the machine. And if you were driving on a one-time chip, you simply lower the card into a special hole when exiting.
Thus, digital information is read from the card and the robot makes sure that the person has completed the paid way. In the event that some kind of error occurred or a person drove more than he was supposed to, then he can go to the nearest service center and pay an unpaid way. Such centers are installed at each metro station. After payment, a person can freely pass through the turnstile.
Fare
A subway ticket costs depending on the distance. The average price varies from 3 to 9 yuan. Those who are going to take the Shanghai metro for the first time can call the cashier the necessary station, and he will tell you how much the trip will cost. But usually the fare for the metro can be seen on ticket machines or at the ticket office.
To travel in Shanghai Metro use magnetic cards. Such tickets can be purchased at special vending machines or ticket offices at stations. It is not recommended to buy them with a margin, because they are valid only for the current day.
If a person is going to stay for several days, then it is more prudent in this case to purchase a reusable card, which costs 20 yuan. When buying a reusable card, it is recommended to deposit an amount of 80 to 300 yuan and travel with it, except for the metro, and on other types of public transport, including taxis.
When the entire amount on a reusable card is used up, it can be replenished through a ticket machine or at any cash desk. At the same time, you do not need to re-buy the card. But you should know that only one person can use one card.
Some nuances
Shanghai Metro has special elevators and toilets for the disabled. Interestingly, the train is not divided into wagons. Stations, except for the Chinese language, are announced additionally in English.
The Shanghai metro is characterized by large transitions and this should be remembered when laying the time for the road. Intervals between train movements are from 2 to 15 minutes. Near the tracks, special screens are installed that indicate the time of approach of the nearest train.
Each metro station has up to 10 exits. Therefore, before using the services of this city transport, it is recommended that you study the map of the district and the location of the station in detail. All subway signs are in Chinese and English.