A Love Ferry box is now in place at Qinhuangdao Road ferry station in Shanghai’s Yangpu district. [Photo/eastday.com]
If you’ve ever found yourself unable to ride public transportation because your phone was dead — so you can’t make mobile payments — or you forgot your loose change or transport card, then Shanghai Ferry service has the answer.
It recently launched a pilot program along the Yangpu Riverside ferry lines — introducing so-called Love Ferry boxes to provide free emergency change for passengers, particularly benefiting the elderly.
By pressing twice on the button of the device, painted in orange, you can get two 1 yuan ($0.14) coins for a ferry ride.
The introduction of the Love Ferry boxes primarily aims to address the occasional needs of special groups.
According to a Shanghai Ferry official, since March 1 in 2022, all Shanghai Ferry routes have eliminated manual ticket sales, adopting an unmanned ticketing system. Passengers can board using public transportation cards, mobile payments, or direct coin deposits.
“Over the past two years, most passengers have adapted to the new payment methods, but special situations still arise,” the official said.
After transitioning to unmanned ticketing, ferry terminals also introduce change exchange services. However, exchanging large bills can be challenging.
“Some elderly passengers forget their money or transportation cards and use old mobile phones without mobile payment capabilities. Young passengers might have dead phones.
“These situations often force passengers to abandon their crossing plans,” added the official.
In response, Shanghai Ferry has introduced the Love Ferry boxes on five routes and 10 ferry terminals along the riverside in Yangpu and Huangpu districts.
The initial funding for the Love Ferry boxes came from voluntary donations by ferry company employees.
“We hope this service helps passengers in need and that those who benefit will return the money when convenient, creating a cycle of kindness,” the official said.
The Love Ferry cabin at the Lujiabang Road terminal on the Nanlu route. [Photo/eastday.com]
In addition to the Love Ferry boxes, Shanghai Ferry has also launched the first Love Ferry cabin at the Lujiabang Road terminal on the Nanlu route, currently in trial operation.
The cabin offers amenities such as hot and cold drinking water, phone charging, a microwave and an emergency medical kit – providing a resting place and warm services for waiting passengers, passing residents, tourists and outdoor workers.
Through such efforts, Shanghai Ferry wants to ensure that more citizens and tourists feel the warmth of the city when using its century-old ferries.
It’s hoped this will contribute to the vision of Shanghai becoming a true people’s city.
Sources: eastday.com, thepaper.cn
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20241122/28f9250794eb461386cc7d5d0cf0e650.html