THEY say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but for 10 local commuters yesterday there was a free boat ride on the Huangpu River, aboard an 8 million yuan (US$1.3 million) yacht.

　　The trip was provided by Seatella Yacht Club, which is currently in talks with local authorities about operating a DidiKuaidi-style boat-hailing service.

　　The scheme was actually promoted via the Didi arm of the smartphone app, and 10 people claimed the free seats. The cruise set sail from the North Bund, and after a single stop at Lujiazui arrived 30 minutes later at Shiliupu Wharf.

　　Despite the use of a luxury yacht, yesterday’s voyage was little more than a promotional activity for the app and sailing club.

　　Were such a service to be provided on a regular basis, it would not employ luxury yachts, a Seatella employee surnamed Chen told Shanghai Daily.

　　For the time being it won’t be using any boats at all, as soon after hearing of the service, the city’s transport commission ordered its immediate halt.

　　Officials there said that any company seeking to provide a public transport service on the river must first pass a series of safety tests and apply for the appropriate licences.

　　The commission added that it is planning to launch a trail scheme before the end of the year to test the viability of operating a water bus service along the Huangpu.