Beijing Metro Accused of Preferential Treatment Towards Expats
We all try to be good people, but it's difficult to always stay within the rules during the daily grind of Beijing. Although we may consider small offenses to be inconsequential, they may also have far-reaching implications ... depending upon your nationality.
That's what has happened with one such expat who has inadvertently sparked a public furor simply by bringing in his bike to the subway. As it turns out, an uploaded image of the unidentified expat and his bike, seen standing on the subway platform at Line 10 Panjiayuan Station last Tuesday, has been cited as proof by Chinese netizens that the Beijing Metro gives preferential treatment to expats.
According to the original post where the photo was uploaded, the eyewitness saw the expat push a normal (non-folding) bicycle through the security checkpoint at Panjiayuan Station without a problem. When the eyewitness asked several station security guards if this was allowed, he only received a sheepish reply that showed none of the security guards were willing to deal with the expat, let alone speak English to him.
As it were, this singular example of rule breaking is enough to prompt some Chinese internet users to conclude that expats are treated better than Chinese in China.
"These people are first class," said one person referring to expats, while another glumly surmised: "Why is this kind of news always so disheartening? Because its true." Yet another person said, "The venerable foreigners are looking down upon us."
As a trip down the shame-filled accounts of Weibo will tell you, lots of people break the rules while riding the Beijing subway. But as much as it isn't fair to apply one exception to a group at large, an indiscretion by an expat is fodder enough for deep soul searching by locals.
In a report that asked, "Can foreigners bring bikes onto the subway," the Beijing Youth Report confronted the accusations head-on by getting some answers from the Beijing Metro. And even though the response fully embodies the bureaucratic tone we've been accustomed to receiving from Chinese authorities, it also happened to be more revealing than may have intended.
WATCH: Beijing Subway Passenger Bloodied by Expat Sparks Angry Backlash Against Foreigners
In response to the "expat bike" controversy, a spokesperson for the Beijing Metro quoted official regulations as saying that all luggage and parcels brought into the subway system by passengers must comply with a 1.8 meter by 0.5 meters by 0.5 meters size restriction. The spokesperson said the bicycle brought in by the expat to Panjiayuan Station was a "folding bicycle" that met regulations when it was collapsed during the security check when entering the station.
Were we to take a quick glance at the photo, we'd see a normal-sized bike with normal-sized tires, thereby offering a position contrary to the official account. On the other hand, the angle of the photograph does not offer us any substantial proof (about the bicycle itself, that is). We'd like to take the spokesperson's word on that ... except that it still doesn't make any sense. If the bicycle is in fact a folding variety that conforms to subway rules, why has it been unfolded to be taken upon a crowded subway train full of passengers?
If you're thinking they thought of an answer for this, you'd be right.
WATCH: Expat's Shoeless Feet Raises Stink Among Chinese Netizens
The subway spokesperson said the security personnel who processed the expat at the security check noticed he was suffering from an injured leg, and allowed him to use his bike to help him walk. Again, a glance at the photograph shows a person with no bandages or wounds on his legs, who is wearing a heavy backpack, while standing on his own two feet as his bicycle falls to one side beneath him.
For their part, the subway says they do not give preferential treatment to foreigners. "This matter has nothing to do with his foreign nationality or having any special privileges. We treat all commuters the same," said the spokesperson, a sentiment that may not be as magnanimous as it sounds.
As one netizen wryly suggested, the Beijing Metro should be more accommodating towards people with special needs. "I think that their service isn't any good," wrote the satirical comment. "The esteemed foreigner has a hurt leg, but he has to push his own vehicle? Aren't there any staff available to help push him around?"
The esteemed foreigner has a hurt leg, but he has to push his own vehicle? Aren't there any staff available to help push him around?
We don't know the answer to that, but we do know the Beijing Metro has people to help explain things to us.
Images: Beijing Youth Report (via weibo.com)
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