A variety of tickets should be introduced when the monthly public transport ticket system in Beijing is overhauled, says an article in Beijing News. An excerpt follows:

The reform of the capital city's monthly ticket system has been a dominant topic in the media and among locals in the past few days.

At a recent hearing on this matter, representatives expressed various opinions.

It is hoped that related decision-making departments will respect public opinion and work out a reform package that balances the wishes and interests of all parties concerned. It is true that the overhaul of the monthly ticket system is of great significance not only to the public transportation sector, but also to ordinary people.

So far, the unitary ticket model in Beijing has reduced the popularity of the city's monthly ticket and even affected the development of the public transportation sector.

In many other countries there are many more types of bus ticket, such as quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily or even hourly tickets.

Obviously, the multiple-ticket practice will be very convenient for urban dwellers. For a city like Beijing, the adoption of cheaper tickets and a multiple-ticket system is expected to benefit both the public transportation sector and residents. It will also embody the industry's social responsibility.

In a pluralistic society, public transportation should provide more diversified and convenient services.

Undeniably, the public transportation sector will face more management challenges with the adoption of a multiple-ticket model. But difficulties will be worthwhile.

(China Daily December 23, 2005)