Public transportation in pole position for changes

The Ministry of Justice unveiled a draft regulation on Friday to improve the country's urban public transportation operation mechanisms and better ensure safety.

The draft regulation, which is released by the ministry to solicit public opinions, made it clear that urban public transportation management departments should carry out surveys to learn about public demand and optimize public transit routes.

The price of public transit tickets should be set by the government, and urban public transportation enterprises must assume the main responsibility of ensuring safety, under the regulation.

Public transportation management departments and enterprises must take necessary measures to ensure safety of operations in case of natural disasters, emergencies and mass transit facility malfunctions, the regulation said.

The draft, which is open for public opinion until June 10, also encouraged authorities to promote the use of new technology, energy and equipment to develop smart public transportation.