Source: CCTV.com

People in Beijing can start enjoying three more subway lines starting this weekend. The new lines will greatly expand the capacity of the city's underground transport, easing street congestion and making travel a little easier for the upcoming Olympics.

After seven years of construction, three new subway lines in the capital will be put in to service this weekend.

Line 10 runs through Beijing's most prosperous eastern and northern parts. It's 24.6 kilometers long and includes 22 stations.

The Airport Express Line, with just four stops, is 28 kilometers long. The 20-minute ride will be a boon for passengers flying in and out of Beijing's Capital Airport.

And the Olympic Branch Line runs through the complex of stadiums, gymnasiums and Olympic parks. It will provide direct service for the Olympic Games, with one stop specifically for the opening ceremony venue.

People in Beijing can start enjoying three more subway
lines starting this weekend.

Liu Jian, Vice General Manager, Beijing Subway Operation Co., said, "We expect Line 10 to transport up to 850 thousand people every day during the Olympic period. The Olympic Branch Line will transport 30,000 people, and the Airport Line will carry 300 thousand passengers every day. We've put the necessary services in place, including emergency, first aid, auto ticketing and security systems."

The three new lines have been designed in a Chinese style, with Olympic features. The trains are spacious and air-conditioned.

To encourage private car owners to take the subway, Beijing's traffic authorities have constructed big parking lots near four major subway stations, which can hold more than six million vehicles. And to improve efficiency, the frequency of subway trains will be adjusted according to passenger volumes. During rush hour, trains will run every two and a half minutes.