The Shanghai metro is taking a leap into the technological future. On November 24, the company will unveil a smart bracelet that passengers can wear to access the subway. In addition to its use as currency on all Shanghai buses, subways, and ferries, the bracelet will also display the time and can be used as a fitness and sleep tracker.
The bracelet will be unveiled during a fashion show at the Zhongya Grand Mecure Hotel Shanghai. A lucky 50 of the 150 guests will receive a bracelet for free; the other 100 guests will be able to buy the bracelet at a discounted price. While the price of the bracelet or a photo of what it looks like has yet to be released, you can register to win a ticket for the November 24th unveiling here.
Transport cards are currently available from the Shanghai Metro in a variety of forms that include “mini” and “personalized” as well as being in a watch-form that commuters can wear around their wrist.
The Shanghai Metro has had tremendous problems with many of its commuters not paying fares in recent years. While the Shanghai Metro has looked to publicly shaming fare skippers, one such attempt in October backfired when a woman identified as a fare evader refuted the claim, eventually forcing the Shanghai Metro to rescind the accusation and issue a public apology.