Shuttles planned for Hongqiao workers

Shuttle bus services between the Hongqiao Central Business District and nearby Metro stations will be available by the end of August, said the district’s administration.

As of now, more than 700 companies have established offices in the district — including Roche, Fiat and Shell Global — which employ about 300,000 white-collar workers, say administrators.

Currently, most of the district’s workers arrive at their offices on foot, after taking the Metro. But lack of public transportation in the area means that many have to walk at least 20 minutes from the nearest Metro station.

Li Ming, an administrator for the district, said the first shuttle route will be between the Hongqiao Railway Station and Sincere Centre, at the intersection of Xinghong and Shenchang Roads.

Route details are being discussed, but Li says the shuttles are planned to operate during peak hours on work days. Shuttle fares are still being deliberated as well.