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Line 3 or Line 4? Shanghai Metro Makes it Easier to Figure Out

by Zhu Qing
November 13, 2025
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Line 3 or Line 4? Shanghai Metro Makes it Easier to Figure Out
Credit: Zhu Qing / Shanghai Daily
Caption: A Line 4 train with larger number signs next to carriage doors.
Line 3 or Line 4? Shanghai Metro Makes it Easier to Figure Out
Credit: Zhu Qing / Shanghai Daily
Caption: Line 3 trains finally have a large number sign on its front.

Shanghai Metro has eased confusion between Line 3 and Line 4 commuters by adding numbers on the carriage front and next to the train doors.

The line numbers are significantly larger than the previous ones, making them easier to notice, particularly during peak hours.

Lines 3 and 4 run parallel for nine stations, from Yishan Road to Baoshan Road, and share a similar yellow-and-purple color scheme, which has led to mix-ups among riders.

Line 3 or Line 4? Shanghai Metro Makes it Easier to Figure Out
Credit: Zhu Qing / Shanghai Daily
Caption: Line 3 (yellow) and Line 4 (purple) share nine stations between Yishan and Baoshan roads.

"I take Line 3 a lot, and people often get on the wrong train," said a passenger, identified only by his surname Liu, about the common complaints.

"Some of them have to ask other commuters after getting on the train, 'Is this Line 3 or 4?'"

To address the issue, the Metro operator has added more number signs beside each door, enlarging them to about three times their original size. Additionally, a sign has been placed on the front of each train.

Line 3 or Line 4? Shanghai Metro Makes it Easier to Figure Out
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Larger line number signs have been added to Metro Line 3 and 4 trains.

Each train now features 122 number signs, and the full rollout is expected to be completed by mid-November.

Shanghai Metro has reminded passengers to check the numbers next to the doors and at the front of the train before boarding to ensure they are on the correct line.

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