Party on wheels: Hefei's 'disco bus' suspended after backlash

A "disco bus" launched by a nightclub in Hefei, Anhui province, to attract customers has sparked controversy and has since been suspended due to safety concerns.

Videos circulating online show passengers on the bus dancing to DJ music, with some female passengers wearing revealing clothing. The bus, decorated with slogans like "Wave your hand to stop, board the bus and start dancing," featured loud music, flashing lights, and dancing patrons.

While some netizens found the concept exciting and energetic, others raised safety concerns. "What if someone falls with so many people on board?" one commenter asked. Others questioned whether the bouncing could damage the bus tires and whether the noise could distract the driver.

The Hefei Public Transport Group issued a statement on July 14 clarifying that the disco bus was a chartered bus organized by the nightclub for its opening event. The bus company apologized for failing to properly review the purpose of the charter and for not taking timely action to prevent unsafe and uncivilized behavior. The bus service has been canceled.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by public transport companies in the country as ridership declines. According to the Ministry of Transport, ridership on urban public buses fell from 78.19 billion in 2014 to 35.34 billion in 2022, less than half the previous level.

In response, some companies are exploring innovative ways to utilize their buses. The Hefei Public Transport Group has launched two themed bus routes: a lobster-themed bus in partnership with a local restaurant and a night tour music bus that offers sightseeing, singing, and food.

Other cities have also experimented with themed buses. In June, a Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, collaborated with a bus company to launch a "techno music bus" to attract customers. A similar bus was introduced by a commercial street in Qingdao, Shandong province, in February to attract young customers, and a "disco bus" hosted by a bar in Changde, Hunan province, last July also garnered attention.

An article in Guangming Daily commented on the Changde disco bus, noting that similar converted buses exist in major cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu, Harbin, and Xi'an. The article also mentioned the existence of hot pot buses, panda buses, and drama buses in various cities.

While these customized buses can generate revenue for both bus companies and businesses, the article emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and order. The challenge lies in balancing operational freedom with regulations, ensuring both liberty and order.