In a significant first for Xiaomi’s wearable product line, the brand new Xiaomi Smart Band 11 has integrated the Chongqing Transit Card, marking the first time a Xiaomi wearable device supports a Chongqing public transportation card. While mobile devices from Xiaomi have previously offered this functionality, this integration expands the convenience to wearable users in the region.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 11, which was launched earlier this month, comes equipped with the new HyperOS 4 system and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 21 days. Its design features a large curvature, rounded body, and upgraded sensors for professional sleep HRV and high-precision heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring. It was launched with a starting price of 289 yuan.
Understanding the Chongqing Transit Card: Tonghang Card・Transportation Union Edition
The Chongqing Transit Card, specifically the Tonghang Card・Transportation Union Edition, is part of the nationwide transportation card interoperability system. This means that in addition to being usable in Chongqing’s main urban areas, where users can benefit from discounted fares, the card can also be used in over 300 other cities across China that support the national interoperability standard. Users should refer to the local transportation operators for specific usage guidelines and fare policies.
Local Discount Policies in Chongqing
For users within Chongqing, the Tonghang Card offers several local benefits:
- Fare Discounts: Both the standard Tonghang Card and discounted cards with an activated e-wallet feature provide a 10% discount on single-journey fares.
- One-Hour Free/Discounted Transfers: Within the main urban area of Chongqing, passengers can enjoy a free or discounted transfer within one hour between different modes of public transport. This includes transfers between buses, and between buses and the Yangtze River Cableway, Lianglukou Electric Escalator, and Kaixuan Elevator, as well as the subway system.
To avail of the free/discounted transfer, passengers must use the same ordinary Tonghang Card (or a discounted card with an activated e-wallet). The transfer discount is applied when using the e-wallet. The timing starts from the first tap of the bus IC card. Within one hour, users can get one free/discounted transfer to the subway or another bus. For subway users, the timer starts when they tap out at the station’s exit gate, allowing for one free/discounted transfer to a bus within the hour.
The value of the free/discounted transfer is capped at the amount of the first fare, with a maximum limit of 2 yuan per transfer. For example, if the first fare was 1 yuan, the transfer is free. If the first fare was 1.5 yuan, the transfer discount will be 1 yuan or 1.5 yuan, depending on the actual payable fare. If the first fare was 2 yuan or more, the discount will be 1 yuan, 1.5 yuan, or 2 yuan, based on the actual payable fare.
It’s important to note that these transfer benefits do not apply to passengers purchasing tickets with cash. Additionally, any amount exceeding the free/discounted transfer value must be paid separately, and the 10% discount will not apply to this excess amount.
If a passenger taps their card for a transfer after more than an hour has passed, or if they have already used their one-hour free/discounted transfer between the subway and bus, or between buses, they will need to purchase a new ticket.
This new feature on the Xiaomi Smart Band 11 enhances its utility for daily commuting, especially for residents and visitors in Chongqing, integrating seamlessly with the city’s public transport network.
