Four electric minibuses started operation on Caoyu Island of Pingtan county on Aug 14, providing a new transportation method for the islet’s habitants.

Four electricity-powered minibuses arrive at Caoyu Island in Pingtan county on Aug 14, which will provide an alternative mode of transportation for islanders who have long relied on trikes and motorbikes to get around. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

“I’ve heard about it [the minibus] long ago. Now finally I can see it in person and give it a try, which is great,” said Yang Xianfu, a local resident.

The islanders have long used trikes and motorbikes to get around, said Lin Yuansheng, another resident.

Now, with a single-trip fare of 2 yuan ($0.30), they will able to commute among six villages (Lianwo, Ximen, Chencuo, Houkeng, Jiangwei and Puan).

The four mini buses, each 6.4m x 2.3m x 2.9m with nine seats and purely electricity powered, are listed in a new-energy automobiles procurement catalogue. Each of them also gets a 300,000-yuan subsidy from the central authorities and another 300,000-yuan subsidy from the provincial government.

Minyun Bus Company, owner of the buses, said it has sent staffers to set up more battery-charging posts on the island and improve conditions of some roads for smoother rides.

Pingtan will put another six electric minibuses on Yutou Island and another five in Dongxiang Island, sources said.