Two proposals to adjust Shanghai's metro fares were unveiled on Aug 19, seeking public input ahead of a public hearing on Sept 7, according to official sources.

The two proposals differ in their starting fares, base distances, and fare increment intervals, but both would raise average fares by about 1 yuan (about 15 cents) per trip, according to a notice from the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

The notice also disclosed the participants and detailed plans for the public hearing, adding that opinions and suggestions from all walks of life are welcome. The public can submit comments by email or postal mail between Aug 19 and Sept 6.

Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, the operator of Shanghai metro, also introduced discounts for long-term commuters, particularly those traveling long distances.

Shanghai introduced its current metro fare system in 2005, with a starting fare of 3 yuan for trips of 6 kilometers or less and an additional 1 yuan for every 10 km thereafter. The average fare paid by passengers was estimated at 4.23 yuan per ride, including VAT, in 2025.

The Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission said existing fare revenue covers only about 55 percent of operating costs, citing the continued expansion of the metro network and rapidly rising expenses, including labor, maintenance, and electricity.

Shanghai's metro network has expanded from 119 km across five lines in 2005 to 818 km across 19 lines in 2025. Over the same period, average daily passenger volume has nearly quadrupled, from 1.39 million to 5.62 million.

While Shanghai's metro network has grown dramatically in scale, ridership, and reach over the past two decades, revenue has failed to keep pace, prompting the city to consider its first full fare adjustment since 2005.

Source: China Daily