Source: CCTV.com

12-08-2006 14:09

The Beijing municipal government will spend billions to upgrade its bus system next year, in an ambitious effort to relieve the city's notorious traffic jams. ** finds that the moves will bring lower fares and improved bus routes for the capital's citizens.

The capital will gradually cancel 110 overlapping bus routes, and extend its bus network to suburban areas.

To reduce journey times, three dedicated bus lanes will be created by 2010, measuring 450 kilometers.

In a low-price promotion, the city will launch a unified 1 yuan fare for every 12 kilometers on all buses, including those with air conditioners. The city will also encourage the use of its newly launched IC transportation card. Passengers with IC cards can enjoy discounts of up to 60% for each journey, while students will only have to pay 0.2 yuan.

In another development, the city plans to gradually phase-out its monthly pass for the subway system. The system used to allow an adult commuter to take 140 trips on designated bus lines at a reduced fare of just 45 yuan, or 5.6 US dollars. Under the new system, all passengers will enjoy an equal discount of 60%.

The ambitious plan will cost 4 billion yuan, or over half- a-billion US dollars, according to the Beijing Municipal Transportation Commission.

 

Editor:Ji Xuewen