Use of bus security guards to spread

Concern over deadly arson attacks is prompting wider use of security guards on buses, a practice expected to become more common nationally, bus company officials say.

Since August, some 260 security guards have been assigned to buses on Shanghai's main roads and commercial or tourist districts such as Xujiahui and People's Square.

More bus routes will employ the guards in response to a notice from the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Transport saying municipalities and provinces need to boost security on buses, according to a senior manager, who declined to be named, from Shanghai Bashi Public Transportation, the city's bus operator.