New Regulations to Enhance Travel Experience on Guangzhou Metro

According to a report by the Guangzhou Daily on December 8th, the newly revised Guangzhou Urban Rail Transit Management Regulations (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations") will come into effect on January 1, 2024. The revised regulations aim to improve the commuting experience for residents by introducing a series of new provisions. The Regulations consist of eight chapters and 40 articles, which provide standardized guidelines for urban rail transit planning and construction management, facility protection, operation services and management, safety and emergency management, interconnectivity, and legal responsibilities.

Article 22 of the regulation explicitly prohibits nine types of behaviors that affect the appearance and environmental cleanliness of urban rail transit facilities in public places. These include:

One should not park vehicles without permission, stack miscellaneous items, set up stalls, or distribute printed materials without authorization.

(二) Spitting, urinating in public, chewing gum and littering by throwing away fruit peels, paper scraps, and other waste materials indiscriminately.

Describe, write, unauthorized posting, hanging items.

Transportation of animals such as pets and poultry is allowed on board, with the exception of service animals on official duty and guide dogs or assistance dogs that are clearly marked and protected.

Translate to standard journalistic English: (5) Smoking (including e-cigarettes); Smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes);

Using electronic devices with the sound turned on publicly.

Wearing masks or makeup/attire that may cause discomfort or panic for others while riding transportation.

Begging, Performing Arts, and Collecting Scrap Items

(9) Other behaviors that affect the appearance and environmental cleanliness of urban rail transit public spaces.

According to the regulations, in terms of legal responsibilities, if the appearance and environmental hygiene of public places in urban rail transit are affected, the urban rail transit operating unit shall be ordered to rectify the situation and take remedial measures, and may also be fined in accordance with the following provisions.

Individuals who engage in unauthorized dumping of miscellaneous items, setting up stalls, or distributing printed materials will be subject to a fine ranging from fifty to two hundred yuan.

People who engage in acts such as spitting, urinating, spitting out chewing gum, littering fruit peels, paper scraps, and other waste materials, will be subject to a fine of more than 100 yuan but less than 500 yuan.

Anyone who paints, writes, or hangs items without permission will be fined a minimum of 200 yuan and a maximum of 500 yuan.

Individuals who transport pets, poultry, and other animals on public transportation will be subject to a fine of no less than 50 yuan and no more than 200 yuan.

Smokers (including e-cigarette users) will be fined 50 yuan.