Shanghai adds 8,000 volunteers to public safety forces

(SHANGHAI, August 6) -- The Shanghai police department has assigned 8,000 volunteers to cover Shanghai's bus, subway, and train lines. An additional 130 public safety volunteers will be assigned to public transport facilities in the area surrounding the Shanghai Stadium.

The volunteers will assist regular patrol and undercover policemen ensure the safety of Shanghai's transportation system. Volunteers will also be available to assist visitors and local residents in need of assistance, handle emergency situations, and address negative publicity concerns.

All 8,000 volunteers come from Shanghai and its surrounding districts. Volunteers underwent professional training in their area of public safety work before beginning work.

In addition to installing security checkpoints in all major transportation stations, Shanghai has already put subway routes under 24-hour surveillance. As a further safety measure, more than 2,000 buses have been put under surveillance, with an increasing number projected to be added to the list.

Shanghai transportation officials plan to increase the number of public transportation vehicles that service the Shanghai Stadium for the duration of the Olympic Football matches. Regular transportation hours will be extended to make sure spectators get home safely after each event.