Refer China: A Shanghai Metro Removes Seats to Ease Crowds, Sparking Debate

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A Shanghai Metro Removes Seats to Ease Rush Hour Crowds, Sparking Debate

Shanghai Metro Line 9, long plagued by severe overcrowding during rush hours, has launched a bold experiment that's getting the city talking. On September 6, commuters noticed that a section of one Line 9 train had its seats removed. The vacated space was outfitted with anti-slip flooring to maintain safety, according to videos shared online.

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The move is part of a pilot program by Shanghai Shentong Metro Group to address congestion by increasing passenger standing space without altering the structural integrity or safety standards of the carriages. Specifically, four rows of seats at the front and rear of the train were removed, creating room for an estimated 25 additional standing passengers.

According to a Q2 2025 report by the Shanghai Transportation Commission, four of the top five busiest stations during weekday morning rush hours belong to Line 9—Sijing, Jiuting, Sheshan, and Caolu. This underscores the urgent need to enhance capacity on this heavily traveled route.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some citizens praised the initiative as a practical response to overcrowding, while others raised safety concerns and suggested adding handrails for standing passengers. There were also worries that the extra space could invite passengers to bring their own stools, creating safety hazards.

Shanghai Metro officials said the future of this seat-removal initiative depends on results from the current trial. Interestingly, this isn't the first time the city has tested this approach. In 2015, seats were removed from Line 16 trains to accommodate larger rush-hour crowds, under similar safety evaluations.

Ever been packed like sardines on Shanghai's Line 9? What do you think about ditching the seats for more standing room? Smart move or too much squeeze? Drop your thoughts below!

Source: 新民晚报