Guide dogs may enter public places and public transport; blind people ride city buses free

The law states that public places and public transport shall make it convenient for persons with disabilities who bring guide dogs, hearing dogs, or assistance dogs. Blind people with valid credentials ride city buses, metro, and ferries free; persons with disabilities may bring essential assistive devices free. If stopped, say these two points; if that fails, complain.

Cost

No money. If stopped, you must speak up and cite the law; it may take a short standoff.

Benefit

Article 46 of the Law on the Construction of a Barrier-Free Environment (无障碍环境建设法): “Operators of public places and of transport facilities and public transport vehicles shall make it convenient for persons with disabilities to bring guide dogs, hearing dogs, assistance dogs, and other service dogs.” Paragraph 2 of the same article states that when bringing a service dog into public places or onto public transport, persons with disabilities “shall follow relevant national rules, put clear identification gear on the service dog, and take necessary protective measures.” Article 68 states that departments and units with public-service duties that fail to provide barrier-free social services as required by law shall be ordered by the people’s government at the same level or a higher competent department to correct within a time limit; if they do not, the directly responsible managers and other directly responsible persons shall be disciplined by law. Article 35 states that government convenience hotlines and emergency call systems for police, fire, traffic accidents, and medical emergency shall gradually gain barrier-free features such as voice, large print, Braille, and one-touch call. Article 62 states that any organization or individual may complain or report acts that violate this law, and the competent department shall handle promptly and reply. Article 50 of the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (残疾人保障法): “Blind people with valid credentials ride city buses, trolleybuses, metro, ferries, and similar public transport free. Braille reading matter is mailed free.” The same article states that people’s governments at county level and above shall give convenience and preference when persons with disabilities take public transport, and that persons with disabilities may bring essential assistive devices free (nationwide; Law on the Construction of a Barrier-Free Environment in force from 1 September 2023)

Notes

The law says “make it convenient,” with no fine; Article 68 only covers orders to correct and discipline of responsible staff, so the other side may not yield at once in a standoff. A screenshot of the articles on the phone helps more than memorizing numbers — author experience. If it cannot be settled on the spot, complain under Article 62; the department must reply. The law also requires clear identification gear and protective measures for the service dog — have those ready before leaving. Before trains or flights, call customer service about service-dog rules. Which “valid credential” free rides recognize — ask the local Disabled Persons’ Federation (残联).

Sources · 2

1. 中华人民共和国无障碍环境建设法（第三十五条、第四十六条、第六十二条、第六十八条）. flk.npc.gov.cn/detail?id=ff80818188d7430b0189…
2. 中华人民共和国残疾人保障法（第五十条）. flk.npc.gov.cn/detail?id=ff8080816f135f46016f…