China subway scalper detained over 70 US cents seat-saving scheme during rush hours
Underground operator slams seat profiteering as legal experts say there is no law banning his actions, online observers split over his behaviour
A man in Shanghai has caused controversy by apparently offering a service that charges people 5 yuan (7 US cents) for a seat on the city’s subway during rush hours.
The man, surnamed Zhou, who lives and works in the Lingang New Zone in the southeastern part of the city, posted on social media on December 19 that he could offer his seat on subway Line 16 during the morning and evening rush hours.
The apparent scalper has since been placed under administrative detention, but claims he only spread details of the scheme as a rumour to gain online attention, according to the mainland media outlet The Paper.
He earlier said service costs five yuan which covers the underground fee for his single journey, the Shanghai Morning Post reported.
Line 16 is crowded with work commuters in the early hours every day as it connects the suburban Lingang area with downtown.
Zhou said he gets on the train at a terminal station, ensuring him a seat. He said he starts his trip at 7:30am and gets off the train at Huinan Station or Xinchang Station near his office.
