Shanghai's Huangpu district launched its first custom financial shuttle bus service on Aug 25, providing a last-mile solution for commuters working in the Bund financial cluster.

The Bund financial cluster has seen rapid growth in recent years, with the South Bund area emerging as a new economic hub. As a result, the need for efficient transportation became increasingly pressing.

Three years ago, the "South Bund Financial Express" was introduced to ease commuting pressure. While it provided some relief, the public transit service remained largely concentrated along South Zhongshan Road and Henan Road, leaving gaps in connections to major metro stations and bus hubs.

This left a gap in the last mile of travel, particularly in the Waima Road area, where access to office buildings during peak hours remained a challenge.

"That's why a customized bus is necessary," said Wang Rufeng, an official with the Huangpu district commission of construction and management.

The DZ418 begins at Nanpu Bridge Station and ends at Xinkaihe Road Station on East Zhongshan Road Number Two, covering about six kilometers one way.

The route passes through key areas including Lujiabang Road, Waima Road, and Dongjiadu Road, linking major financial centers such as Greenland Bund Center, Bank of Shanghai headquarters, and Bund Financial Center.

"DZ418 directly addresses the urgent needs of financial enterprises and their employees," said Sun Yuanyuan, an employee of China Pacific Insurance Company.