The proposal last year to raise the long-established flat fare of RMB 2 for the Beijing subway kick-started a public crisis. Beijing residents complained mercilessly about the unfairness of the raise, citing issues like the poverty gap, traffic gridlock, and urban sprawl.

Now, in a display of openness, Beijing has publicly shared details about the upcoming fare change that includes a choice of different pricing plans.

A flat fare system will not be used for both buses and subways. Instead, a meter system will calculate the cost of each individual commuter’s trip based on the distance traveled, similar to the metro systems in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

An average subway fare is expected to cost between RMB 4.3 to 4.4, while the average bus fare should range between RMB 1.3 to 1.5.

There will also be discounts for frequent commuters. Those who spend RMB 100 a month on public transportation will receive a 20 percent discount, while those who spend RMB 150 a month will receive 50 percent off.

A number of different pricing plans are being shown to the public to see which one is most palatable. Here’s the first option for the subway:

• the first 3 kilometers of a trip costs RMB 2
• an additional 3-6 kilometers will cost an additional RMB 3
• for a 6-18 kilometer trip, each 6 kilometers (discounting the previously mentioned base amount) will cost an additional RMB 1
• for an 18-42 kilometer trip, each 12 kilometers (discounting the previously mentioned base amount) will cost an additional RMB 1
• for trips over 42km, each 18 kilometers (discounting the previously mentioned base amount) will cost an additional RMB 1
• there is no upper limit on how high a fare can get

Here’s the second option:

• the first 6 kilometers of a trip costs RMB 3
• a trip lasting 6-12 kilometers will cost RMB 4
• for trips between 12-32 kilometers, there is an additional RMB 1 for each 10 kilometers  (discounting the previously mentioned base amount)
• for trips over 32km, there is an additional RMB 1 for each additional 20 kilometers  (discounting the previously mentioned base amount)
• there is no upper limit on how high a fare can get

And if you don’t know what you’re paying for, here’s what riding the Beijing subway looks like:

Photos: iFeng, Beijing Youth Report (2)