Residents in Shanghai can now use WeChat to take buses and Metro, according to an announcement from the Shanghai Public Transportation Card Company on Tuesday.

WeChat users can search for the mini-program called Chengchema (乘车码), which means "travel code," in WeChat or scan the QR code to visit the page with the code. After verifying identity and binding the digital payment, the code will be activated.

Passengers can also download the "Shanghai Transportation Card" (上海交通卡) and UnionPay (云闪付) apps to use the same function. Users can enjoy the same discounts as they will with real transportation cards. They can also enjoy a 1-yuan (15 US cents) discount on their second ride within two hours.

Here is how to use Chengchema.

Step 1:

Scan the QR code provided or search for "Chengchema (乘车码)" in the "Search" section of WeChat.

Step 2:

Activate the Chengchema service. After entering the Chengchema page (locate "Shanghai" in the left corner), click "去开通" to activate the service, and then follow the instructions to complete real-name authentication.

Note: If you have already activated the Chengchema service in the WeChat mini-program, you do not need to open it again. You just need to open the mini-program and generate a new Chengchema when using it.

Step 3:

Scan the "Chengchema" at the Metro station. Center the QR code you just generated on the scanner attached to the turnstile controller. After several seconds, when the screen shows "请通过" (please go), you can get through the turnstile.

Some reminders:

1. When entering and exiting the turnstile controller of subway, the media that the user uses should be consistent (i.e. the same account's QR code of the same application channel).

2. The fare will be deducted automatically from the wallet or bank card bound by the user two hours after scanning the code.

3. At present, three channels are available for Metro riding: "Shanghai Transportation Card" (上海公交卡) app, "UnionPay" (云闪付) app and the WeChat mini-program of Chengchema.