Subway L4's ban of food and drink challenged by vending machine

Reporters noticed a vending machine as high as a man inside Zhongguancun Station on Subway Line 4 on November 19 that was filled with three layers of 20 different types of beverages, such as carbonated beverages, mineral water and juice. However, there is a noticeable sign prohibiting food and drink in an area of the station on the other side of the turnstiles and messages reminding passengers not to eat or drink are frequently broadcasted on the train.

"Vending machines are easy to use, but there is a "no food or drink" sign in the station, so I feel a little ashamed and very embarrassed to be drinking something," said Ms. Zhao, voicing the opinion of many passengers.

There are nearly 20 types of beverages for sale on the shelves. Passengers can buy them by either paying a 70 percent new 5 or 10-yuan banknote or by swiping their public transport cards. Reporters observed at the site for 15 minutes and noted that over 20 passengers stopped and "looked up and down" at the machine. Four of them bought beverages before entering the station.

"At present, this type of vending machine has been installed at Zhongguancun, Xiyuan and Beijing Zoo stations," said a supplier of the machines. More machines will gradually be installed in over 10 stations including Xuanwumen Station on Subway Line 4 over the next two weeks, increasing the total number of machines in service to 29.

At 3:45pm, passenger Liao hurriedly walked into Zhongguancun station on Subway Line 4. He bought a bottle of milk tea drink by swiping his public transport card when he saw the self-service vending machine below the circular screens with five video displays, and entered the hall. Mr. Liao, who was traveling on Subway Line 4 for the first time, became very embarrassed when he wanted to open the bottle and have a drink. He said, "I did not realize that there are red 'no food or drink' signs everywhere in the station. I feel ashamed to be drinking in front of other passengers."

Most passengers seem a little "confused" why there are both signs prohibiting food or drink and self-service vending machines installed, and Ms. Zhao, a citizen, cannot help asking, "Are we permitted to drink or not?"

"The notice prohibiting food and drink is not contradictory to the self-service vending machines installed in stations on Subway Line 4." Yang Qin, a press spokesman for Beijing MTR, explained that it is hoped that passengers comply with the prohibition of food and drink in the stations and carriages because liquid beverages can easily be spilt when the subway carriages rock from side to side, while food gives off an unpleasant smell making other passengers uncomfortable. However, it is not a compulsory provision but simply a recommendation for a civil journey.

Beijing MTR said that self-service vending machines and other convenience installations will be uniformly installed in subway stations, and passengers buying beverages from the self-service vending machines can drink them when they come out of the station. Subway Line 4 will provide convenience installations in accordance with passengers' different requirements in the future. At present, public phones, ATMS and other equipment have been installed in stations on Subway Line 4.

Translated by LOTO