Deducting Drivers' Pay for Excessive Bus Energy Consumption? This Blame Shouldn't Fall on Drivers

Reported by China Newsweek with added commentary. For the first time, specific deduction rates are disclosed: 3.1 yuan per cubic meter of natural gas, 0.8 yuan per kilowatt-hour of electricity for electric buses. During summer, running the air conditioning for the entire route and having extra ten-plus cubic meters of gas per day per bus is normal; exceeding the monthly quota by dozens of cubic meters is not unusual. At 3.1 yuan per cubic meter deducted, that's just under a hundred yuan. The Sixth Passenger Transport Company caps penalties at 200 yuan (note: differs from the 300 yuan reported by CCTV), and energy-saving rewards are capped at 500 yuan (note: differs from the 400 yuan reported by CCTV). The company also stipulates that if the temperature exceeds 30°C, air conditioning must be used; failure to do so and receiving verified passenger complaints results in a 300 yuan fine. Drivers are caught in a dilemma: using air conditioning results in energy overuse deductions, not using it leads to deductions from passenger complaints. When drivers receive complaints, their first reaction is 'Sorry, sir, I will turn it on immediately,' and privately ask passengers to withdraw the complaint. A staff member from the group's technical department responded that the original intention is to control energy consumption and promote energy conservation and emission reduction. The bus industry faces great operational pressure, with fares unchanged for years and limited subsidies. Annual calculations estimate energy cost savings of 40 to 50 million yuan, emphasizing that deduction is 'symbolic and a reminder,' with rewards as the main focus and penalties secondary. Commentary points out: the saved energy is the company's profit, the sweat evaporated is the driver's income, and the heat endured is the passengers' experience — this deal guarantees a win for the company.