An inter-city bullet train connecting Ningbo and Shaoxing in East China's Zhejiang province is launched on March 15. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

Inter-city bullet train service connecting Ningbo and Shaoxing was launched on March 15, according to local media reports.

Passengers are now able to commute between the two cities in East China's Zhejiang province by swiping their citizen cards or bus cards issued by local authorities.

They can also access the service by scanning QR codes, which can be obtained on both WeChat and Alipay after registering their personal information.

Currently, there are three pairs of inter-city trains shuttling between Ningbo and Shaoxing every day, stopping at stops including Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, and Shangyu district of Shaoxing, with ticket prices ranging from 10 to 20 yuan ($3).

Holders of citizen cards or bus cards from the two cities are entitled to a 5-percent discount.

Free rides will be given to people like retired cadres, retired veterans, as well as people with disabilities from the two cities.

In addition, senior citizens aged 70 and above in the province can enjoy a half-price discount, as can full-time students registered in Ningbo and Shaoxing, as well as children at a height of between 1.2 and 1.5 meters.

Passengers have to make sure that the balance on their citizen cards or bus cards is no less than 6 yuan, otherwise they won't be able to board the train.