「2元时代」终结，地铁涨价潮要来了？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impending fare increase for Chongqing's metro system, which marks the end of the "2 yuan era" that has lasted nearly 20 years, reflecting broader financial pressures faced by metro systems across China due to high operational costs and reduced government subsidies [3][4][9]. Summary by Sections Fare Adjustment Proposals - Chongqing's fare adjustment includes two proposals: shortening the initial travel distance from 6 kilometers to 4 kilometers for the same fare of 2 yuan, or increasing the starting fare to 3 yuan for distances up to 8 kilometers [6][7]. - The average monthly travel cost for citizens could increase by over 24 yuan under these proposals [7]. Financial Performance of Chongqing Metro - In 2023, Chongqing's metro system reported operational costs exceeding 111 billion yuan, while revenues were only around 30 billion yuan, necessitating government subsidies to avoid losses [9][25]. - For 2024, projected revenues are 29.35 billion yuan against total costs of 72.73 billion yuan, resulting in a net profit of only 110 million yuan [9]. Challenges in Metro Operations - The rapid expansion of Chongqing's metro network has led to uneven passenger distribution, with some lines experiencing high traffic while others remain underutilized [11][14]. - The construction costs for metro lines are substantial, ranging from 5 to over 10 billion yuan per kilometer, and operational costs are primarily driven by labor, energy, and maintenance expenses [13][14]. Broader Context of Metro Systems in China - Many metro systems across China are struggling to achieve financial sustainability, with only 12 out of numerous metro companies projected to have net profits exceeding 1 billion yuan in 2024 [20][25]. - Government subsidies are crucial for the operation of metro systems, with 28 cities receiving significant financial support, including 248.52 billion yuan for Beijing's metro [26][28]. Regulatory and Economic Factors - The Chinese government has set standards for new metro projects, requiring cities to meet specific economic and demographic criteria, which has implications for future metro expansions [38][39]. - The reduction in land fiscal revenue has prompted metro systems to reconsider their fare structures to alleviate operational pressures [16].