Bus stops here: Shanghai lets riders design their own routes (sixthtone.com)

Article summary

Shanghai has introduced a new public bus system called 'DZ' that allows residents to design their own routes through a city-run platform. The system invites residents to submit proposed routes, and if enough riders request it, the route goes live. Over 220 DZ routes have already launched across the city, with fares based on market rates. The system aims to improve convenience and resource use during peak travel times.

Main themes

• public transit
• crowd-sourced routes
• gerrymandering
• election systems
• law enforcement
• public infrastructure
• self-driving cars
• urban planning

What commenters say

• The concept of crowd-sourced public transit routes is brilliant and has the potential to improve public spaces.
• The system may be biased towards motivated individuals and neglect the needs of those who are less likely to participate.
• Law enforcement should not be a primary means of funding for cities, as it creates perverse incentives.
• Gerrymandering can be reduced by implementing alternative election systems, such as proportional representation.
• Geographic constituencies are a relic of the past and should be replaced with more representative systems.
• Dynamic districts and single representative districts have their drawbacks and may not be the best solution for federal voting.
• The form of government does not necessarily determine the quality of public infrastructure.
• Self-driving cars and on-demand routing may be the future of public transit.