Passengers who eat or drink on the Shenzhen Metro will be subject to fines of 200 yuan (US$25.66) according to Shenzhen Metro regulations, the Southern Metropolitan News reported on January 12, 2007.

Local residents are questioning the regulation, however, believing it to be unreasonable and hard to enforce. "I often take some biscuits and soybean milk on the subway carriage because I have to catch the train to get to my office on time," a woman surnamed Liu said.

The rule also triggered debates on the Internet. Some netizens said that it's usual for passengers to eat snacks or drink water on the train, and that people need something to drink, especially in hot weather. Others said it's difficult to accept and the violators may refuse to take the punishment.

The regulation is outlined in the "Passenger Rules of the Shenzhen Metro" published on January 11, 2007, which also forbids smoking, spitting, urinating, spitting chewing gum, littering and trampling on seats.

"There isn't much personal space on a train carriage, and the smell of food may make other passengers feel uncomfortable. If a beverage spills, it can cause a mess," said a subway company employee. "Until now, only smokers were fined, but people eating or drinking were just given an oral warning." "We will gradually make the rule more detailed and modify it based on passenger's practical needs," the person added.

The Guangzhou and Hong Kong subways issued the same rule in June 2005 and April 2006, respectively.

Editor: Donald