Nanjing Metro Now Allows Drinking Water and Milk Tea On Board
A new rule allowing passengers to drink water and milk tea inside Nanjing Metro cars has been implemented, effective July 1. The revised regulation, part of the Nanjing City Rail Transit Ordinance, still prohibits eating inside the cars, except for babies, young children, and patients. According to Nanjing Metro staff, the previous ban on "drinking and eating" has been changed to "prohibiting eating", which means that while eating is still not allowed, drinking water and milk tea is now permitted. Passengers are reminded not to spill or splash liquids.
1 July 2025
This change comes as part of a broader update to the city's rail transit rules, set to go into effect on July 1. Previously, a strict policy had been in place prohibiting all forms of eating and drinking on the metro, sparking debate among commuters who saw the rule as overly restrictive. The updated ordinance makes a key distinction by replacing the blanket "prohibition on eating and drinking" with a more nuanced "prohibition on eating in the carriage (excluding infants, young children, and patients)," thereby implicitly allowing the consumption of beverages.
The revised regulations also outline other behaviors that are strictly prohibited within metro stations and on trains, including unauthorized distribution of printed materials, vandalism, smoking (including e-cigarettes), carrying live poultry or pets (except for guide dogs and service animals), and the use of electric scooters (except for those used by individuals with mobility impairments). Violations of these rules can result in corrections being ordered by rail transit operators, with more serious infractions potentially leading to fines ranging from twenty to two hundred yuan, depending on the severity of the offense.
This new regulation is considered a humane adjustment, making it convenient for commuters to quench their thirst during their journey. For passengers who violate the relevant regulations, the rail transit operating unit will order them to correct their behavior and may impose a fine, ranging from 20 to 50 yuan for minor offenses, and 50 to 200 yuan for more serious ones. The implementation of the new rule signals a significant shift in the city's approach to public transportation, prioritizing passenger comfort and well-being during their daily commutes.
The move has been met with widespread approval from the public, with many praising the decision as a "humanized" adjustment that prioritizes the needs of passengers. The fact that the new rule has been implemented in response to public feedback suggests that the city is actively engaging with its citizens and striving to create a more responsive and people-centric transportation system. Moreover, the revised regulation showcases the city's dedication to balancing the needs of its residents with the importance of maintaining a clean and secure public transportation environment. As Nanjing continues to expand its metro network, this new rule is a step in the right direction towards creating a more livable and sustainable city.
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