A courier waits for a metro to arrive. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou Metro has launched a pilot program to deliver packages via its subway system, local media outlets reported.

On the afternoon of Sept 4, over 60 packages were transported from Guihua West Road Station on Metro Line 6 to Weiye Road Station in just 50 minutes. This marks the first time Hangzhou Metro has tested this subway courier service.

The pilot operations, which will run from Sept 3 to 30, are being done in collaboration with SF Express. Packages are securely transported in designated areas on the first carriage without disrupting regular train operations or passenger travel. The initiative aims to utilize excess transport capacity and improve delivery efficiency.

Security standards are strictly adhered to, with packages undergoing the same screening process as regular passengers. This new model is part of a broader trend seen in cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, where innovative urban logistics solutions are being explored. Hangzhou Metro plans to continue refining this approach, potentially linking subway and air logistics in the future.