Dedicated bus routes help farmers reach markets

The bus stop in Guba village, Wudang district, Guiyang, was already bustling with activity before dawn on Feb 5. Tang Fuyan, a villager, and her neighbors arrived carrying freshly harvested vegetables, waiting for Bus No 252, operated by State-owned Guiyang Public Transport Co, to take them into the urban area to sell their produce.

Villagers wait at the bus stop in Guba village. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]

As the bus pulled in, driver Chen Shushan opened the doors and called out warmly, "Take your time, no rush," guiding the farmers as they carefully loaded their baskets onboard.

After getting on the bus, Tang recalled that in the past, getting to the urban area's market was costly and exhausting. "We either spent 40 yuan ($5.8) on a taxi or walked more than 20 kilometers," she said. "Back then, I always wished there could be a special bus line just for transporting vegetables."

That wish became reality on June 1, 2024, when the No 252 "Huinong (Agriculture Support) Special Line" began operations. The route not only offers discounted rides for farmers but also ensures fresh produce reaches urban markets faster.

The bus departs earlier than most regular routes and is equipped with storage racks inside for vegetable baskets. The fare for farmers is affordable: 3 yuan for one basket, 5 yuan for two, plus a 2-yuan passenger ticket. Even if a farmer carries more than two baskets, the total cost is only 7 yuan.

Upon arrival at the terminal, Tang quickly set up at her regular selling spot. "Pea shoots, 1.5 yuan per kilogram! Garlic sprouts, 4 yuan per kilogram!" she called out in a crisp voice. The fresh vegetables soon attracted nearby shoppers.

"This special bus line is wonderful," said a resident surnamed Sun, holding her newly purchased greens. "The vegetables are fresh, and the prices are reasonable."

According to He Wenpei, deputy manager of the Marketing Operations Department of Guiyang Public Transport Co, Guiyang has opened 38 "Huinong Bus" routes so far.

A photo of vegetable farmers aboard a Huinong bus. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]