Since November 2005, motorcycles were banned in University Mega Center apart for those belonging to local villagers still on the island. Over the years, many succeeded in making a small living by offering motorbike-taxi services to people on the island. But on April 1st, the ban was extended to all motorbikes, seriously threatening the livelihood of these old farmers.
The ban is aimed to prevent people from taking what the authorities consider dangerous vehicles, damaging to the modern image of the island. However, the lack of convenient public transportation means this ban will create real difficulties to the island's inhabitants. With 150,000 students and thousands of staff, the sixteen bus lines - of which only 12 operate between downtown Guangzhou and the university island can simply not cope with the number of passengers. Bus No. 381 for example, runs only every 15-20 minutes and drops passengers 15 minutes-walk away from campus. Bus No. 310 which runs between the island and Panyu Coach Terminal is an important line for commuting teachers; however the line only runs 10 buses per day and these stop at 8:00pm.
To tackle these difficulties, students have demanded extra shuttle buses between bus stops and dormitories, and additional bicycles rental stands should be set-up.
The ban is aimed to prevent people from taking what the authorities consider dangerous vehicles, damaging to the modern image of the island. However, the lack of convenient public transportation means this ban will create real difficulties to the island's inhabitants. With 150,000 students and thousands of staff, the sixteen bus lines - of which only 12 operate between downtown Guangzhou and the university island can simply not cope with the number of passengers. Bus No. 381 for example, runs only every 15-20 minutes and drops passengers 15 minutes-walk away from campus. Bus No. 310 which runs between the island and Panyu Coach Terminal is an important line for commuting teachers; however the line only runs 10 buses per day and these stop at 8:00pm.
To tackle these difficulties, students have demanded extra shuttle buses between bus stops and dormitories, and additional bicycles rental stands should be set-up.
