The plasma display panels, which were installed in the 16 stations along RT No 1 late last year, provide passengers information about train schedules, routes and transfer points.

"We started to install these displays around the end of last year and so far they are running smoothly," said Zou Song of Shanghai Metro Operation Co Ltd, which manages the city's three existing metro lines.

The company also began installing information displays on walls inside the 21 trains running on RT No 1 at the start of this year.

"Currently, the displays inside the trains only show a map and indicate the next station. We'll enrich the content step by step by inputting more comprehensive information," said Zou.

Each of the six coaches on every train along the route is equipped with five 15-inch LCD displays, according to Zou.

"We'll install the equipment on RT No 2, the east west subway line across the city's Huangpu River, by the end of this year," said Zou.

To pay for the systems, the company is selling advertising time on the display terminals.

Local commuters seem pleased with the system, saying it makes traveling around the city more convenient.

"I never have to worry about when the train will come. I'm quite glad to witness the emergence of fresh things which help Shanghai grow up to be an international metropolis," said Zhu Jia, a 24-year-old interior designer.

(eastday.com April 3, 2003)