Shanghai's Metro Stations to Support QR Code Payment

By Hu Yuzhou and Tongfei Zhang

QR codes have fundamentally changed the way of everyday life in China. Wherever we go, as long as there is a QR code, our smartphones will take care of the rest. Now, this wind of change has blown to the metro stations in Shanghai.

You may have noticed a slight ‘upgrade’ to the station turnstiles. In addition to the original scanning area for IC Cards, there is now a new scan available for a QR code.

However, don’t cheer so fast. The new QR code scanners are not ready for use yet. “These devices are still in their test run,” said a staff member working at Changshou Lu Station of Line 7. “I’m not sure when will they be put into service.”

However, according to the Weibo of Shanghai Rail Traffic Fan Club, the new service is expected to be fully operational at the end of October, which sounds quite promising.

After the system goes online, passengers can gain access through the official app ‘Metro Daduhui’ (Chinese for metropolitan), which will support Alipay and UnionPay.

As the news went viral, many netizens have demonstrated their support and excitement towards the new service, saying it can save them a lot of time and trouble.

“I can’t wait to try it out! It is often the case that when I want to buy a ticket, I happen to have no change on me, then I have to borrow from others.” - @jiaowoyumu

“Finally! I always have to spend time finding the IC card in my handbag, which is annoying.” - @kaisizhutangyuan

Nevertheless, there are also people think the new service is redundant.

“I can’t see how scanning a QR code is faster than scanning the IC card.” - @sktTka

“If I use the QR code, then how can I request a reimbursement since there will be no invoice at all?” - @misniang

Yesterday, the new QR code scanners commenced a test run at Maglev train stations on Longyang Road and Pudong International Airport. To take advantage of this new convenience, download the official app ‘Metro Daduhui,’ scan the QR code and you’re instantly ready to travel.

The best part about this new service is you don’t need an internet connection to operate. No ticketing, no lines, no public internet, that’s the ultimate convenience!

According to The Paper, these new scanners will be implemented throughout the city’s entire metro system by early 2018.

[Images via The Paper and Shanghai Daily]

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