A set of new rules took effect Wednesday to better bus service in Shenzhen. 

The Ministry of Construction issued the regulations April 11 to get more people back onto buses.

The regulations required bus companies to inform the public about temporary changes of bus routes 10 days in advance. Guangzhou’s traffic authorities will also collect public opinions before making a final decision on bus routes every quarter.

Public bus operators will compensate passengers for casualties during the trip unless they can prove the casualties are caused intentionally by passengers themselves or by health reasons.

Traffic authorities pledged to deal with complaints from passengers within 15 days.

Bus companies will face a fine up to 5,000 yuan (US$604) if their buses skip stops. Buses will also be fined for staying long at one stop to wait for more passengers.

Companies whose buses are technically unsafe may face a fine of 10,000-30,000 yuan.

The regulations also urge the traffic authorities to give preference to public buses in urban planning such as designating exclusive lanes for buses on the main roads.

(Shenzhen Daily June 2, 2005)