Shenzhen is encouraging greener travel and flexible work, expanding public transit services and halving bus and metro fares during the upcoming APEC meeting week.

Companies across the city are encouraged to adopt flexible work arrangements from Nov. 16 to 20 during the upcoming APEC meetings, officials said at a press briefing held by the Information Office of Shenzhen Municipal Government on Oct. 15.

APEC-themed floral displays and Chinese national flags decorate Shennan Boulevard in Shenzhen ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November. Photo by Lu Ying

The city’s human resources authority suggests employers negotiate with staff to roll out working models tailored to their needs, including remote work, staggered or flexible commuting hours, and coordinated annual leave. Arrangements may vary by department and position, even within the same company. Employers must comply with labor laws and safeguard employees’ legal rights.

The flexible work initiative is part of a citywide "Green Travel, Smooth Journey for All" campaign aimed at easing traffic pressure in key areas. Residents are encouraged to drive less and use public transportation. Those who voluntarily refrain from using their private vehicles will receive commemorative APEC-branded Shenzhentong transit cards with a set sum of deposit, along with exclusive car stickers.

Officials attend a press briefing on preparations for the upcoming APEC meetings in Shenzhen on Oct. 15. Photo from WeChat account "深圳发布”

Selected metro lines will operate at two-minute intervals, with backup trains on standby. Fifty new bus-metro feeder routes will be launched, lifting bus capacity by 20%.

Bus and metro fares will be cut by half during the meeting period, according to the press briefing.

Final preparations for the APEC meetings are underway. Major events scheduled for November include the 4th APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting (Nov. 14–16), APEC CEO Summit (Nov. 17–18), and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Nov. 18–19), the main event of APEC “China Year.”

Traffic police will implement temporary traffic restrictions in phases. Additional road restrictions covering specific times and areas will be announced between late October and early November.