Zhou Qiang, a citizen in Pingtan, Fujian province takes the bus for free with his driver's license on Jan 31. [Photo/ptnet.cn]

To encourage local residents to take buses instead of driving cars, the transport department in Pingtan, Fujian province launched a one-day free bus activity on Jan 31.

Residents with driver's licenses were eligible to take buses for free on that day. This move was intended to enable local people to experience the convenience of buses and alleviate the heavy traffic during the upcoming Spring Festival.

Some people who participated in the activity said that taking the bus is faster and safer than driving cars during the festival.

Officials with the local transport department said that they desire to promote a green and low-carbon life style among local people through such activities.

To reach that goal, authorities are also working on improving the county's public traffic system. So far, Pingtan has a total of 145 buses travelling 15 bus routes.