Trial run of women-only carriages in Chinese cities

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By CGTN's He Weiwei

Ladies only, please ...

Since Jun 26 and 28 respectively, Guangzhou and Shenzhen have become the first cities in China to designate female-only metro cars.

In Guangzhou, the last carriage of trains on Metro Line One is reserved for women during weekday peak hours – 7:30am to 9:30 am, and 5:00pm to 7:00 pm.

Carriages are reserved for women during weekday rush hours on Guangzhou Metro Line One. /CGTN Photo

Metro company: it's not mandatory

Two weeks into its trial, the female carriages have gained recognition from the public, but still, some men are found in the carriages.

The metro company explains there is no legal basis for differential treatment of passengers on public transit systems. It says couples, friends, and families may want to stay together, so in that regard, it's not always suitable to force men out of the female-only carriages.

"By providing such a service, we're advocating respect and care for women, it's not mandatory," Fu Yixin, the assistant to Xilang station master of Guangzhou metro told CGTN.

A metro worker reminds an elderly man of the female-only carriage. /CGTN Photo

Different public opinions

Public opinions vary on the value of the scheme.

Some say they don't see much difference from the ordinary carriages since men can still board the women-only cars. Others think that is acceptable because it's public space after all.

A female passenger told CGTN she hopes the metro will provide more female cars and extend their operational hours.

Female passengers waiting in line for metro train /CGTN Photo

The decision followed suggestions from political advisers. With the population of Guangzhou now at 14 million, keeping everybody safe and public transport run smoothly is a priority for the administration.