Shanghai Metro – Commuter stories
Shanghai's metro network is one of the world's largest urban transportation systems in the world. Many of its stations are fitted with Schindler solutions. We spoke to commuters about their experience – and what Schindler's solutions mean for their daily journeys.
With over 20 lines stretching out over 800 kilometers of rails in all directions, Shanghai Metro transports millions of people across the city every day. Along with adding new lines and flashy new stations, the metro system has also been taking care of its older sections. Our team in Shanghai recently modernized 191 escalators across multiple metro stations along Lines 3 and 6 – which opened in 2000 and 2007, respectively.
Below we hear from commuters about what it’s like to get around Shanghai – particularly at peak hours when the trains and stations are full.
My job involves traveling to a lot of different locations. I like to be on the move, so when I’m traveling within the city, I prefer to take the metro, as it’s usually quicker than driving.
I noticed that the stations were being renovated, but it didn’t affect me. Upgrading the escalators is an important part of improving the service experience for passengers.
It’s great to see the metro stations being renovated, especially on Line 3. It’s an elevated line, so the escalators are very important for people to get up to the platforms. Even during rush hour, it’s quick and easy to get in and out.”
Zihan Wang, commuter and content creator
The metro is a part of our lives. Shanghai’s infrastructure is quite advanced, and public transport makes getting around the city fast and convenient. It’s hard to imagine life without the metro system, so many people rely on it for their lives and work.
I noticed that modernization work was going on at the time, but it didn’t affect my day-to-day life at all. In fact, it always made me happy to see.
When you see modernizations taking place, you know there are people making an effort to improve the quality of life in our wonderful city of Shanghai.”
Tianchang Huang, commuter and caregiver
Without these escalators, we just couldn’t manage, really. They’re very useful. We’re not as young as we used to be, so it would be very tiring to get up to the platforms, especially when we’re carrying luggage.
The metro is very convenient, it helps us visit family and friends, and our daughter takes the metro to work each day. Luckily, now we’re retired, we don’t need to join the crowds anymore.
The stations are always well maintained and the convenience of people who use the metro is always considered. That’s good.”
Qiuping Zhang and Jianshan Shen, commuters and retirees
I like living in Shanghai. It’s a very exciting and vibrant place to live; there are always so many things to do and events going on. I like to take public transportation to work and to meet friends, so the metro’s very important in my daily life.
Since I moved to Shanghai, I’ve noticed more people are using the metro each year. I think it’s because the metro system keeps getting upgraded – new lines have been added, and older stations have been renovated.
Even during rush hour when it’s very busy and crowded, it’s easy to get into the station and onto the platform without having to wait.”
Xiaomei Li, commuter and assistant producer