According to the new regulation, from January 1, 2020, Children under the age of 6 can travel free of charge by city bus and long-distance passenger transport buses, with half price for those aged 6 to 14.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the current pricing policy for urban bus and long-distance passenger transport is based on height, which is considered unfair by the public. The new regulation shows in addition to nine-seat or less than nine passenger bus, eligible children can enjoy a free ride or half-price ticket preferential treatment.

The specific conditions are:

• Each adult passenger can take a child under 6 years old (including 6 years old) or under 1.2 meters tall (including 1.2 meters) on the bus for free, but then the child can’t take a seat alone.
• If there are more than two children to bring, or your child needs a seat alone, then you will get half-price tickets.
• Children who are aged 6 to 14 years old, or 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall will get half-price tickets.

Examples of valid identification documents to prove the age of a child include:

• A resident identity card of the People’s Republic of China
• A temporary resident identity card of the People’s Republic of China
• A residence permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents
• A travel permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents to and from the mainland
• A travel permit for Taiwan residents to and from the mainland
• A passport
• Or A permanent residence identity card for foreigners

Don’t worry too much if you do happens to a valid id document, as your child’s height will be measured instead to make sure they fit the proper standards for traveling as a child. Be sure to get those free tickets early because the number of children on board that are eligible for free tickets will be limited to just 10% of the total number of passengers allowed when the bus is fully loaded.

Photos: gov.cn