When new ticketing machines go into use at Metro stations around the city of Shanghai, passengers will be able to buy tickets with bankcards, not just coins, notes or a public transport card.

Metro officials haven't said when the new machines will go into full use, but did say last week they will first be installed in new stations and then added to existing stations.

It is expected that the new machines will be installed in just about every Metro station in the city in time for the 2010 World Expo.

The machines will accept every type of RMB banknote, from one yuan (12 US cents) to 100 yuan, unlike current ticket machines that only accept bill worth five yuan or more.

"We hope to make the system much easier to use," said Zhao Shimin, an official with Shanghai Shentong Rail Transit Research and Consultancy Company.

He said the new machines are mostly developed by domestic companies, with total investment of more than six million yuan, 10 percent of which came from the city government.

By 2010, Shanghai plans to have a Metro network of 11 lines, covering 400 kilometers, nearly triple the current distance.

The city's Metro authority plans to replace most manned ticket booths with automatic ticket dispensers.

In addition to the new machines, the city's Metro authority is also planning to improve its service and safety.

One of the plans is to install underground routers to provide Internet access on Metro trains.

The city also plans to install sensors and cameras in subway tunnel to monitor land subsidence. (Shanghai Daily)