You can now get a refund if it's too hot on the bus

There are few things worse than a crowded, hot, sweaty bus ride. With the Shanghai summer having arrived, and temperatures only going to get hotter, the thought of squeezing onto a packed bus with no air conditioning is the thing of nightmares. Your head uncomfortably close to an armpit; people eating smelly food; a large guy with no shirt on for some reason - it's not worth thinking about.

According to Sina, in line with Shanghai Bus and Tram Passenger Transport Regulations, if the bus you're on has no air conditioning and the cabin temperature exceeds 28 degree Celsius, you can ask to have your ticket refunded or even flat out refuse to buy one in the first place. Until September 30, if things feel far too hot on the bus, passengers can contact the hotline (ironic) and complain. The same goes if temperatures are too cold on board (sub 12 Celsius) in the winter between December 1 and March 1. The hotline number is 12319 12345, but a reasonable proficiency in Mandarin is required.

So, get ready to somewhat misquote Nelly to your driver: 'It's getting hot in here, so hot, so I'm not going to pay for my ticket.' (Hao re, re si le, re de wo bu xiang mai piao). Enjoy your two or three kuai saving. Don't spend it all at once...

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