THIRTY new bus routes will go into service this year to link large residential areas with Metro stations and commercial centers.

Eight routes will start operations before the end of next month to benefit residents in the districts of Baoshan and Xuhui, said Shanghai Bashi Group, a major operator of city buses.

These include the No. 56 route, which will link Xuhui District’s Changqiao neighborhood to Xujiahui commercial area, said officials.