Kunming has introduced 90 luxury air-conditioned buses to its public transportation network since April 1 this year.

However, most of the buses have failed to ease the traffic flow and to cope with different weather conditions so far.

When it comes to the air-conditioned buses, a storm of controversies over its charge (2 yuan per person)and the temperature inside it have been sparked among local residents.

Voice of Residents: Kunming lacks of buses  

A resident surnamed Xiong said that the air-conditioned bus is not applicable at all in Kunming, as the climate here is neither cold nor hot all year around. It is a wasting of resources.

He also added that buses can be seen carrying with lots of passengers during rush hours. While at other times, only few passengers would choose to take such buses, for concessionary cards held by elderly people and students are not available on the bus.

"Now it is in autumn and the weather is colder, they should turn off the air conditioner. And the price should be decreased from 2 yuan to 1 yuan correspondingly. " said Miss Wang. " "Winter is coming soon , there is no need to open an air conditioning any more. " as for her, a 2 yuan charge is a kind of disguised price increase.

Another resident, Miss Chen, complained that the temperature inside air-conditioned buses is found to be low, as an air conditioner is turned on even in a cold day.

But for Mr. Wu, it is necessary to bring in air-conditioned buses, for it can ease the traffic flow in rush hours and one would feel more comfortable. The most important is that many office staffs will not worry about being late for work any more.

While Miss Wu think that the problem can not be solved no matter people cancel the bus or take lower charge. Actually, the main problem is a lack of buses in Kunming.

Response of insider: operation of air-conditioned bus faces deficit

According to related rules, air-conditioners equipped in the new bus must be opened and temperature inside should be maintained at a range from 22 degrees to 26 degrees when the bus is in service. An adjustment can be adopted when encountered with an abrupt change of climate or in cold days. Drivers are also allowed to turn off the air-conditioner in cold days, so as to keep a normal temperature. And to open it again when it is hot outside.

When mentioned the higher charge many residents raised, the insider revealed that the operation cost for the bus is too high, with an air-conditioned bus is almost 1 million yuan. A price of 2 yuan for per person can not even afford its fuel cost and salary for staffs on a bus. So, for the bus group, the operation of air-conditioned bus is facing deficit now.

(Editor:Hyesung, Minnie Mao)