Senior residents enjoy Bus Neighbor service in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to CHINA DAILY]

Bus Neighbor, a model that combines public transport with community service in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, offers a novel alternative for more affordable and flexible transportation to meet people's needs.

Traditional buses have fixed stations, routes and operating times, which may not meet the special demands of residents. So Wuxi Public Transport began a customized minibus service whose model is similar to a taxi, but is much cheaper.

Feng Panxing, 70, a retired worker in Wuxi, sent a message on a community WeChat group saying he wanted to go to hospital. Several minutes later, a mini-bus came to pick him up.

Since a Bus Neighbor station was opened in his community in January, he uses it whenever he wants to go out.

"I usually use the Bus Neighbor service to go to the subway station, hospital and for grocery shopping. It's very convenient," he said. "Unlike traditional buses that stop at fixed locations, they drop you off as close as possible to your desired destination."

According to Zhu Zhenming, manager of the industry business department of Wuxi Public Transport, people needing a ride can submit their requests through phone calls, mini-programs on WeChat or the community's WeChat group.

Then they wait at the Bus Neighbor station at their community. In general, the bus operates within 5 kilometers of the station to ensure a quick and instant response.

Prices range from less than 1 yuan (13 cents) to 3 yuan within 5 km. Passengers older than 70 enjoy free services, except for peak hours from 7 to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.

"In the words of residents, it means 'enjoying the convenience of a taxi at the price of a bus ride'," he said.

Zhu added that Bus Neighbor also opened routes to connect communities and restaurants, as well as between communities and scenic spots farther than 5 km, which are welcomed by the elderly.

Feng agreed, saying that many of his old neighbors travel in groups, following tour routes to stroll along the shores of Taihu Lake or walk in the parks.

"The meal route is also frequently used among us elderly. As we grow older, it becomes inconvenient to cook. The restaurants are affordable and clean, and with the Bus Neighbor service providing transportation, it makes dining effortless," he said.

Wu Yusheng, 80, said that in the past he barely went out because he has difficulty walking. Now he often visits attractions such as Yuantouzhu Scenic Area famous for cherry blossoms, Huishan ancient town and Gonghuwan wetland park.

"The bus can drop me right at the door of the attraction," he said.

Zhu said the mini-buses the group uses are 6 meters long with 10 seats, suitable for travel on narrow roads. Since the service was introduced in January, the city has established seven Bus Neighbor stations with 14 buses that have served about 70,000 people.

"The aim is to fill the void in current public transport and better cater to the needs of people," Zhu said, adding that more stations will be built in communities with large populations, and more tourist routes can be expected.

With changes in people's transportation habits, the passenger flow of buses is declining and the vacancy rate is high in the city during non-peak hours, so the new business also expects to explore opportunities by integrating into constructing "15-minute convenience service circles" for residents.

Zhu Fengyao, a 36-year-old housewife, said she used to drive to pick up her child at kindergarten, but it's inconvenient to park near the school. Now, together with four to five parents, she takes the mini-bus to the school every day.

In addition, the Bus Neighbor stations have added more functions such as charging bus cards, making hospital appointments and selling agricultural products and daily necessities.

Workers from cities such as Yangzhou in Jiangsu and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province have come to investigate the model in Wuxi.

Contact the writers at chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn