With 23m people in city that is a modern metropolis whose location links Hong Kong to China’s mainland, Shenzhen is now well into its post-COVID-19 recovery phase.

So, what’s life like post-lockdown and what lessons can we learn? 

To find out Leon Daniels speaks with Joe Ma, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Bus Group and also Chair of UITP’s Taxi and Ride-hailing Committee.

They discuss the economic bounce-back, how ridership levels have returned and what the ‘new normal’ looks like.

Joe explains how the bus operator is winning back passengers using a range of new initiatives - including demand-responsive 50-seater coach express services from housing areas to the city centre.

They also talk about battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses. Joe describes Shenzhen as the “lab mice of electric buses” having taken its first 100 e-buses in 2010, with the entire fleet becoming electric in 2017.