Proposal to fine impolite passengers sparks debate

Source: CRI | 07-04-2008 08:51

Residents in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, might be asked to get off the vehicle and receive a fine of 50 yuan on public transport if they refuse to offer their seats to the elderly, pregnant women and disabled people, reports Henan Shang Bao.

This regulation is written into Zhengzhou's Public Transport Draft Act, a new regulation currently under deliberation by the local legislative body.

The new rule stipulates that if passengers do not proactively offer their seats to the elderly, pregnant women and disabled people, drivers and ticket inspectors can ask the passenger to get off the vehicle. The city transport department can also issue a ticket of 50 yuan.

However, the proposal has received mixed responses from the public after a conference held by the legislature on Wednesday.

For: To regulate the undisciplined

In most circumstances, the driver can't be fully responsible for enforcing this practice as it is ultimately the decision of the passengers.

Passenger Gao says whilst many already comply with this regulation, legalizing it will encourage more people to obey. It also reflects the high moral standard that Zhengzhou residents are setting for themselves.

Against: Paying for a ticket gives the right to a seat

Passenger Xu thinks making the rule lawful is not necessary. He says offering your seats should be an ethical requirement but not a legal obligation.

"Buying a ticket is equivalent to entering into a binding contract with the transport company. The company is responsible to take me to my final destination and the driver does not have the authority to unilaterally stop the contract."

He also predicts that if the driver is confronted by a difficult passenger, this would only result in conflict.

Other Considerations: Driver's position

Local driver Zhong Jun is not optimistic that this approach will be practical. He says forcing out passengers may provoke unnecessary conflicts and complaints. Stopping the vehicle will also cause delays and obstruct normal operations.

Another driver Su Huichao adds that when there are many passengers onboard, the rule cannot stipulate who should offer the seat.

Su also thinks that it would be impractical for the transport department to issue the fine. "How will we enforce it? And does that mean we have to temporarily detain the passenger?"

The drivers agree that the majority of passengers are happy to give up their seats for others who are more in need.

Currently, the driver uses the alarm system to signal when these "special" passengers get onboard. If no one responds, the alarm will continue.

Editor:Du Xiaodan