Recently in Xiamen, some local bus stops have been named after certain companies. The result is one bus stop having an extremely long name composing 12 Chinese characters. As for the idea of bus stop sponsorship, various media outlets are having their say. Here's Wang Jing with a look.

The newspaper Southeast Express says, due to the sponsorship, the names are changed sometimes, which makes it difficult for the local people to memorize the stops. And citizens think the names of some places of historical and social importance should be kept.

The Beijing Youth Daily comments, usually bus stops are named according to the local buildings and public facilities. It's for the convenience of citizens. However, giving the name of various companies to bus stops means the names of the stops make no sense as far as giving the actual address or location. It says by offering the name sponsorship to the companies, it only brings huge benefits to the local administrations. But to the citizens, it only causes inconveniences and distrust towards the government. Actually the naming rights for bus stops should be left up to citizens, as they are the ones to take the buses around the city.

The Tai Hai net says the present names are too commercialized. The key reason is the lack of money in the local transportation system. For affording it to function properly, such administrators have to find ways to maximize the financial gains. But it's not right to do it by selling names to the companies. They are to offer better service to citizens and try to explore other ways to gain benefits in a market oriented economy.