JOIN USWith two retired police officials and a service police officer, the bus would crisscross through the city to tend to the recurring incidents of quarrels.
A dispute mediation bus, the first of its kind of in China, is the latest attempt by the public transport group of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) to reduce squabbles in buses, state run China Daily reported today.
Overcrowding, problems with tickets and late-running buses have increased the disagreements among people using public transit by 20 per cent annually in recent years, Ning Tongtong, a press officer with the PSB's public transport group said.
"Because bus stations are so widespread, police officers cannot always arrive on time to resolve disputes. But the mediation bus can move around and arrive at the spot in time. It will be very convenient for the public," he said.
In operation on a trial basis since October 15, the vehicle has helped in resolving about ten disputes. Passengers can call the bus by phone or by sending a text message. The meditation service is voluntary and free.
Ning said plans are afoot to deploy around ten such buses in the city next year. "Hopefully, some enterprises can sponsor some of the buses for us," he added. In addition to the mobile mediation bus, two mediation rooms, aimed at helping in resolving disputes on the subway or in taxis, have also been in use since October.