Baotou adjusts bus IC card discounts

Starting from Dec 1, the bus IC card discount will be officially adjusted from 50 percent off to 20 percent off, according to Baotou Public Transport Group.

The current bus fare in Baotou city was formulated in 2001. The bus fare is 1 yuan ($0.14) or 2 yuan depending on the route. The bus fare for bus rides within 20 kilometers is 1 yuan, and that for bus rides above 20 kilometers is 2 yuan.

At present, residents using an IC card to pay the fare enjoy 50 percent off on bus fare. Students can have 80 percent off with their IC card for students. Residents above 60 years old and military personnel in active service can take free bus rides.

After the bus fare adjustment, the original preferential policies for the elderly, students, and disabled people will remain unchanged.

According to staff members at Baotou Public transport Group, the total amount of public transportation lines, structure and operating costs have undergone tremendous changes with the growing population and city size. However, the bus fare policy in Baotou has not been adjusted for many years, and the gap between bus fare and cost is increasing. The bus fare adjustment is a step taken to promote the overall efficiency of public transport in the city, and improve service levels.

A bus equipped with rare earth powered batteries stops for a passenger in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Baotou Daily]