[Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Buses in Wuxi cover nearly every part of the city and are very affordable. Although they can be somewhat difficult for non-Chinese speakers, they offer a great way to explore the city.
How to pay:
Taihu Transportation Card: Tap your card on the reader when boarding. Most buses have a flat fare, so a single tap is sufficient. Using an IC card offers a discount, with each ride costing 1.2 yuan ($0.17).
Cash: The fare is usually 2 yuan. You must have exact change as the driver cannot provide change.
Mobile payment: Scan the QR code inside the bus with Alipay or WeChat. You may need to activate the "Transport" feature in these apps beforehand and then access the card or QR code. Keep in mind that buses and subways have separate codes. NFC options like Apple Pay are also accepted; just ensure your digital transit card is prepared.
Wuxi Public Transportation App "无锡智慧公交" can help with routes and real-time bus locations (mostly in Chinese).
How to ride:
Find your route: Use apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). Switch them to English, enter your destination, and tap the bus icon. These apps will then display the bus you need, walking directions to the stop, and real-time arrival updates.
Wait at the designated stop: Bus stops display signs showing the routes that serve that stop.
Board and pay: Enter through the front door and pay right away.
Get off: Listen for announcements and watch the bus screen for the next stop. Press the "STOP" button (usually on handrails) to notify the driver you wish to get off at the next stop. Exit through the rear door.
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