THE Metro operator plans to add a dash of art to 11 Metro stations along Lines 7, 9 and 10.

The Shanghai Shentong Metro Co will invite famous calligraphers to create works for each station along Line 10, according to the Oriental Morning Post.

The operator will also display art and add elements of traditional culture and folk styles at transfer stations and stations near historical sites.

Metro passengers would be able to travel while enjoying art just like passengers in Moscow and Paris, Liu Chunjing, a member of Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said during the conference in February.

Liu suggested the Moscow Metro as an example. It spans almost the entire Russian capital and is the world's second most heavily used rapid-transit system. Opened in 1935, it is famous for the ornate design of many of its stations, which contain outstanding examples of art and craft.

Shanghai Metro operators have been pushing forward the concept of a standard design Metro station as there will be 280 metro stations along 11 Metro lines by 2010.

On the other hand, they are also trying new basic styles of Metro stations on the Metro Line 8 extensions.