Shanghai plans to build itself a better public transportation system by 2015, according to a plan released by the city government following the recent instruction of the State Council, Jiefang Daily reported.

By then, about half of Shanghai natives are expected to choose public transportation as method to access the downtown area.

The plan said the interval between buses will be less than eight minutes in the city center and less than 10 minutes in the suburbs.

Shanghai will improve its metro network and coverage, especially in major business areas, near tourism attractions, large residential areas, and new suburban communities, as well as other important projects.

By 2015, the city's metro network will be extended to cover 600 km.