Shanghai's DZ customized bus service is enhancing urban connectivity, with a focus on commuting, schooling, medical visits, and tourism.

The DZ prefix comes from the pinyin abbreviation of ding zhi, and unlike regular public buses, DZ routes offer tailored services to meet specific passenger needs.

In 2024, Jiushi Public Transportation Group launched 33 customized bus routes, comprising 15 commuter lines, two medical accessible routes, 15 cultural and tourism lines, and one school-oriented route.

So far this year, 14 additional routes have been introduced, including eight commuter lines, two medical accessible routes, one cultural tourism route, and three school-oriented lines.

Early this year, DZ301 began to serve commuters and students in the Dahua area of Baoshan district.

The 4-kilometer route runs during peak hours, stopping at major locations such as Dahuasan Road Metro Station and several schools.

Ridership has steadily grown, with the buses reaching full capacity during the two-hour morning rush, and passenger flow per 100 kilometers already exceeding that of regular bus lines.

On Feb 27, two additional medical access routes, DZ505 and DZ503, were also added in Baoshan, easing access to three top-tier hospitals.

Meanwhile, Minhang district unveiled DZ204, a unique school shuttle serving students and faculty. It travels along Baochun Road, Hongxin Road, and Longming Road, covering over 10 residential communities and operating from Monday to Thursday at 6 pm.

In addition, DZ401 facilitates seamless travel between the Shanghai Museum on People's Square and Shanghai Museum East.

During the operating group's week-long consultation with authorities, officials in Xuhui district highlighted commuting challenges faced by medical staff members and patients around the southern medical center.

In Changning district, authorities proposed a custom bus route connecting businesses within the airport economic zone, while Yangpu district suggested themed bus routes aligned with its cultural and tourism identity to promote green public transportation.

In response, Jiushi Public Transportation Group is planning new custom bus lines. Its bus companies No 2 and No 3 are finalizing routes for Xuhui's southern medical center and Changning's airport economic zone.

Bus company No 1 is designing an immersive experience for Yangpu, aiming to encourage more residents to opt for eco-friendly travel.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, "shanghaifabu" WeChat account, WeChat account of Jiushi Public Transportation Group at "bashifabu"