Most of the representatives for the different walks of live attending the hearing on proposed changes in Guangzhou's Metro fares Monday preferred the lowest pricing plan, Plan III, which had 4 yuan as the base fare covering 5 to 6 kilometers instead of the original four kilometers.

During the three-hour hearing, 23 representatives suggested the Metro company raise the maximum height eligibility for free tickets for children from 1.1 meters to 1.2 meters, and offer free tickets to the disabled, as well as certain discounted rates for off-peak hours at certain places.

The current fares for Metro Line 1 and 2 in Guangzhou are charged on the basis of sections covered. Each zone consists of two adjacent stations and three zones make up one section. Passengers must pay at least 2 yuan for each journey and an additional 1 yuan for every additional section. As the sections in Line 3 are longer than in Line 1 and 2, the current pricing system needs to be adjusted.

At the hearing, some public representatives criticized the pricing of Line 1 and Line 2, saying the high fares has scared away some commuters. Many respondents hoped the fares of Line 1 and Line 2 would drop by 20 percent, according to a survey.

The municipal pricing bureau will hand the proposals together with an improved plan to the city government for approval.

Editor: Yan Silvia Liu