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Getting Around Public Transport The public transport system, particularly buses and minibuses, is rarely attempted by foreign visitors, unless they have a good understanding of Mandarin Chinese. Travel by metro or taxi is by far the easier option. Shanghai Municipal Public Transportation Administration (tel: (21) 6323 2150) makes a reasonable fist of running an integrated and comprehensive system, albeit overburdened and struggling to keep up with the city’s breakneck expansion. City buses (tel: (21) 1608 8160) run 0500-2300 and can be appallingly crowded during rush hours (0630-0830 and 1700-1900), with consequent rudeness. Flat fares of RMB1 (up to RMB3 for air-conditioned buses) are paid to the conductor. Major city-centre routes are numbered – suburban and long-distance buses only have their destination in characters. Minibuses follow a few fixed routes within the city and the flat fare of RMB2 guarantees a seat. There is a limited suburban minibus service with fares of RMB2. Unlike the bedlam of the bus network, Shanghai metro (operating 0500-2300) is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Three lines are running to date, with more being built. The Number 1 Line operates north–south from Shanghai Railway Station to the southern suburb of Xinzhuang. The Number 2 Line runs west–east from Zhongshan Park to Longyang Lu in Pudong, while the Pearl Line runs north–south from Jiangwan Zhen in the north to Shanghai South Station in the south. Stations have a red sign resembling an ‘M’. Tickets cost RMB3 for journeys of 13 stops and RMB4 for further. These are available from the ticket offices above the platforms or in books of RMB90. There is no integrated travel card or saver ticket scheme. Signs and station announcements in trains are in Mandarin Chinese and English. Long-term plans for the expansion of the network are ambitious. Taxis Despite the alarming metal cages around the drivers, Shanghai taxis are actually reliable, plentiful, cheap and safe. Taxi journeys are metered and it is wise to watch the meter carefully. A variety of fleet companies operate Shanghai taxis, which are almost uniformly Volkswagens – Santanas or Passats – locally manufactured. Fares are normally RMB10 for the first two kilometres and RMB2 per kilometre thereafter, rising to RMB13 and RMB2.6 per kilometre at night (2300-0500). Maps and written addresses or business cards are the best tools for foreigners to direct taxi drivers, as few speak English. Taxis can be pre-booked from some of the major fleets, including Friendship Taxi (tel: (21) 6258 4584) or Dazhong Taxi (tel: (21) 6320 7207). Although not mandatory, a tip of 10% of the final fare is appreciated. The Shanghai Municipal Taxi Association (tel: (21) 6368 1055) can provide further information. Limousines Most major taxi fleets also offer a limousine service. Dazhong Taxi (tel: (21) 6320 7207) is a reputable supplier. Rates start at around RMB600 per day for an Audi. Driving in the City With the prevalence of taxis in Shanghai, it makes little sense for a visitor to hire a car without good reason. Hiring a driver is also recommended, given the chaotic traffic, the Chinese road signs and the difficulties involved. Public ownership of cars is still not so common in Shanghai, although it is more common here than almost anywhere else in China. Bicycles are very common and many accidents involve them – drivers are advised to remember this. Shanghai also has a very high fatality rate per numbers of registered drivers, so extreme caution when driving is required. Car Hire To hire a car, an International Driving Permit, air ticket, passport and a credit card to cover the large deposit are required. Shanghai Angel Car Rental (tel: (21) 6229 0858) is one of the biggest local agencies, with offices at both airports. Dazhong (tel: (21) 6320 7207) is another reputable company. In 2000, Hertz signed an agreement with China National Auto Anhua to operate jointly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen, however, despite this, the company still recommends that foreign visitors hire a car with a local driver. The typical hire rate starts at RMB320 per day. Bicycle Hire Shanghai’s relentless self-improvement has not yet made any difference to its citizens’ reliance on bicycles, which are everywhere – not leisure bikes but working, load-carrying machines. Given the snarled-up state of rush-hour traffic, this may be just as well, however, care is advised when crossing the street or even on the pavement. An outsider daring to take to two wheels in Shanghai likewise needs 360-degree vision and iron lungs, as well as an official registration, applications for which have to be made at the main district police stations. Bicycles can be hired from the YMCA Bike Shop, 485 Yongjia Lu (tel: (21) 6472 9325), for RMB20 per day plus RMB100 deposit. Bikes should be parked in the ubiquitous bike parks, as bicycle theft is common. |
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