A new mini bus launched by Xiamen Public Transport Group gets noticed about town. It is about half the length of a regular bus. [Photo/sunnews.cn]

Xiamen Public Transport Group recently launched test operations of its new mini bus in Xiamen in Fujian province. The bus will begin pilot runs in Xiamen Software Park Phase II on Aug 8.

The bus, about half the length of a regular bus, has 13 seats and can accommodate up to 24 passengers.

According to Xiamen Public Transport Group, during rush hours the bus operates as a traditional bus, that runs and stops on a given route.

During non-rush hours, however, it will transform into an online ride-hailing bus, which allows users to book a ride online via an app, whose system maps out different routes according to the destination.

An official of the group said it will provide a customized service that is different from regular buses.

"It is more suitable for individuals and groups to travel and does not need to stop at every stop like traditional buses," he added.

The new bus, however, only runs in a certain area. At present, the area reserved for the mini bus is within a 3-kilometer radius around a designated area.