Shanghai Launches Campaign to Ban Smoking at Bus Stops

Shanghai is taking its anti-smoking campaign wider with the latest plans to paint city bus stops with large "no-smoking" signs.

Five bus stops in the Yangpu District have begun the trial. Shanghai Health Promotion Office plans to expand the trial at more bus stations in the following months.

The city has banned smoking at all indoor events and a few outdoor areas, including public transportation terminals.

However, the open space, high human traffic, and the public's lack of understanding about smoking control in these outdoor areas contribute to poor smoking management. The government's hotlines 12345 and 12320 are always inundated with complaints about smoking at bus terminals.

Yangpu District has taken the lead by selecting bus stations with the most complaints and painting huge "no-smoking" signs to remind people to follow anti-smoking laws.

Since then, complaints from these areas have decreased significantly, resulting in a cleaner and healthier atmosphere as well.

People are encouraged to call the hotlines 12345 and 12320 with complaints and ideas. The hotlines can provide bilingual services.