Stranded passengers wait in line as a notice on the screen reads a glitch has caused the subway to be delayed in Beijing, Dec 26, 2014. [Photo from Beijing Evening News' Sina Weibo post]

The glitch happened two days prior to the D-Day of the city's new metro pricing policies, prompting frustrated passengers to pour out their long-simmering anger over the price increase on Sina Weibo, China's popular microblogging service.

The social networking site was flooded with posts of people sharing their experience of waiting for a bus in chilly winter wind, making sarcastic comments about the upcoming price increase and checking up on the updates.

Metro staffers found themselves busy with a new task – helping passengers get away from consequences of being late for work by signing their waivers.

Some passengers stuck underground took pictures of the notice screen in hopes of clearing themselves out of responsibility.

Starting Dec 28, subway fare will increase to 3 yuan for the first 6 km and charged according to mileage with no ceiling.