Women-only passenger cars will be available on Line 1 of the Guangzhou metro beginning June 28. The first passenger car of each train running in both directions will be designated for female passengers only during rush hours on weekdays.

The Guangzhou metro said the women-only cars will improve society’s treatment of and respect toward women. Broadcasts, notices and stickers will serve to alert passengers of the cars. In addition, there will be volunteers on the platform to provide additional guidance.

According to the metro, the women-only designation has no legal basis. What's more, dividing passengers by gender may inconvenience some people traveling in mixed-gender groups. The metro operator said the cars are only meant to improve awareness about the treatment of women.

The program is currently in its trial phase, and the metro will solicit public opinion in the future to improve its service.