Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the "Night Return Bus" in Hangzhou aims to address the transportation needs of residents during late-night hours, providing a flexible and demand-responsive service to enhance public transport accessibility [1][10]. Group 1: Service Overview - The "Night Return Bus" operates from 9 PM to 11:30 PM, focusing on the core residential areas of the Pude region in Hangzhou, which includes 9 large residential complexes with approximately 8,700 households [4][10]. - Passengers can book the bus via a WeChat mini-program, allowing for real-time adjustments to the route based on demand, thus optimizing service efficiency [7][9]. - The service has shown a significant increase in ridership, with 370 passengers served in the first 9 days, representing over a 30% increase compared to fixed-route services [10]. Group 2: Operational Efficiency - The "Night Return Bus" eliminates unnecessary travel by allowing passengers to specify their drop-off points, thus reducing operational costs and improving service targeting [2][9]. - The system ensures that the maximum waiting time for passengers does not exceed 15 minutes, enhancing the convenience of the service [6][10]. - The initiative reflects a broader trend in urban public transport, where cities are increasingly adopting customized bus services to meet specific commuter needs, particularly during off-peak hours [12][13].

Core Points - The article discusses the launch of the "Night Return Bus" service in Hangzhou, which aims to meet the nighttime transportation needs of residents around the Jiuhuo Road subway station [2][3] - The service operates from 21:00 to 23:30, targeting the high outflow of passengers during these hours, with an average of over 1,700 exits daily [2] - The "Night Return Bus" utilizes an integrated online and offline reservation system developed by Hangzhou Public Transport, allowing for optimized routing based on passenger requests [2] Summary by Sections Service Details - The "Night Return Bus" 8071M route covers multiple residential communities in the Pude area, which consists of approximately 8,700 households [2] - Passengers can book the service through online scanning or offline IC card swiping, with a maximum wait time of 15 minutes after booking [2] - Payment can be made via card or scan, and passengers using the "Hangzhou Public Transport One Code" can enjoy a 90-minute transfer discount, effectively allowing free rides on the "Night Return Bus" [2] Infrastructure and Amenities - A "Night Return Waiting Room" has been established 40 meters west of the A exit of Jiuhuo Road station, equipped with a departure announcement screen, seating, and umbrellas for passenger comfort [3] Strategic Importance - The launch of the "Night Return Bus" is part of Hangzhou Public Transport's ongoing efforts to integrate subway and bus services, enhancing convenience and warmth for nighttime travelers [3] - This initiative reflects the company's commitment to smart travel services, building on previous projects like "Cloud Bus 1.0" and "Cloud Bus 2.0" [3]