The all-electric compact bus "urban sprite" makes its debut in the Lin-gang Special Area on Aug 28. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area Public Transport, a subsidiary of Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area Investment Holding Group, unveiled an innovative bus hailing service in the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone on Aug 28.

The service debuts the all-electric compact bus "urban sprite", offering a convenient and eco-friendly transportation solution within the region.

The bus hailing service allows businesses, communities, sub-districts, and individuals in the pilot area to easily book buses via their smartphones for direct point-to-point travel. This service is designed to eliminate long waits and overcrowded seating commonly experienced on traditional buses, providing an affordable alternative to regular taxis.

The inaugural route, currently undergoing trial operation in the Jinqiao Lin-gang Industry Park area, caters to groups of five passengers and features 18 stops, effectively bridging transportation gaps in the region.

During peak hours, the service adheres to a fixed schedule, while off-peak times operate in a demand-responsive mode. By utilizing the "Lin-gang Travel" mini-program's "bus on-demand" feature, passengers can secure a bus within five to ten minutes, facilitating travel within the park and to key destinations like the Donghai Farm terminal and the Lin-gang Avenue hub.

A spokesperson from Shanghai Lingang Special Area Investment Holding Group emphasized the service's role in enhancing travel efficiency for residents and workers within the park. To encourage adoption, a promotional fare of 0.01 yuan ($0.001) for groups of three will be available during the trial period running through Sept 30.

The demand-responsive bus service operates on a digital system that collects travel requests and utilizes intelligent algorithms to determine efficient routes. This system factors in starting points, destinations, nearby public transit options, and operational capacity to optimize vehicle dispatch and service frequency, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Having undergone trials in various settings since February, including at universities and hospitals, the demand-responsive bus service has provided hailing-based shuttle services to students, faculty, and community residents.

With the official launch of the service, the company aims to gather public feedback, explore additional applications, and tailor services to meet diverse travel needs, ushering in a new era of smart and efficient transportation within the Lin-gang Special Area.