During rush hour, as commuters squeeze into crowded subway cars, few would imagine these same trains could revolutionize package delivery. Yet this futuristic vision is becoming reality across China's major cities, where subway systems are being repurposed to transport goods alongside passengers.
Nationwide Pilot Programs: Diverse Models Emerge
Since Beijing launched the first pilot program in September 2023, at least eight cities including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou have joined this urban logistics experiment. Initial trials focused on off-peak hours, using surplus subway capacity to transport small batches of parcels with dedicated handlers. However, these programs have rapidly evolved into sophisticated logistics networks.
Wuxi's Airport-to-Metro Express
Wuxi's "Air-Rail Intermodal" project, launched in November 2023, connects Suzhou's airport with the city's subway system. Packages arriving on afternoon flights now reach local destinations the same day—a dramatic improvement from next-day delivery. Custom reusable containers move directly from planes to subway cars, eliminating sorting delays.
Shenzhen's Bay Area Network
Shenzhen's system links the airport with urban centers through key subway stations, handling over 30,000 parcels daily. The "hub-to-station" model has transported nearly one million packages since inception, significantly improving delivery efficiency in the Greater Bay Area.
Jinhua's On-Demand Service
Jinhua Railway Group partnered with JD Logistics to offer "One-Hour Delivery" via subway, while utilizing overnight maintenance trains for newspaper distribution. Future plans include dedicated nighttime cargo trains based on demand.
Xiamen's Luggage Solution
Tourists and business travelers benefit from Xiamen's luggage-forwarding service, which uses off-peak subway capacity to transport bags between hotels and transportation hubs, eliminating the need to carry luggage between check-out and departure times.
Hangzhou's Speed Boost
Hangzhou's September 2024 pilot cut delivery times by 40 minutes on its Line 6 route. Same-afternoon deliveries now reach customers by 6 PM for orders placed before 1 PM.
Technological Innovations
Smart technologies are transforming these subway logistics networks:
Shenzhen's Autonomous Hub
China's first underground logistics center opened in September 2024, featuring drones that deliver packages to subway stations, where autonomous vehicles complete the journey. The system has halved collection times and operates 10 self-driving carts with advanced navigation capabilities.
Smart Lockers Expand
Parcel locker company Fengchao has installed smart lockers in over 20 Shenzhen subway stations and expanded to Wuxi, providing convenient package pickup and storage options for commuters.
Guangzhou's Distribution Model
Urban planners propose using subway depots as distribution centers for thousands of underground businesses along metro lines. Pilot programs could reduce ground-level delivery traffic by 60% while improving fresh food delivery times.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While promising, subway delivery faces significant hurdles:
Most systems currently use marginal subway capacity, limiting scale and profitability. Infrastructure designed exclusively for passengers lacks freight elevators and dedicated cargo paths, creating operational challenges. Safety protocols for mixed passenger-cargo transport require new standards.
Jinhua's solutions include co-locating logistics centers at subway stations and designing new lines with dual passenger-cargo functionality. Safety measures like restricted item lists and pre-screening protocols help mitigate risks.
Experts note that while economic benefits remain modest, subway delivery offers significant societal advantages—reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions in dense urban areas. As cities continue refining these systems, subway-based logistics may become a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.