Guangdong aims at railway scofflaws

Fare dodgers and people caught smoking on trains in Guangdong province could be banned from traveling by rail if they break the rules more than twice.

Ticket scalpers and passengers who use fake identity cards to board a train will also be blacklisted, with offenders facing fines of 500 to 2,000 yuan ($74 to $296), according to draft regulations dealing with railway operations and safety.

The proposed new rules, released by the provincial Legislative Affairs Office for public feedback, do not say how long a ban would last. Smokers and fare dodgers would be fined immediately when they are caught in the act.