Pleasant ride

Meanwhile, other measures are being taken to make the public transport system more convenient, comfortable, efficient and environmentally friendly:

Beijing traffic police have developed "microcirculation" road signs to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown areas. When there is a traffic jam, the signs will direct motorists to get off main roads and use nearby alleys instead.

Beijing has introduced computer networks that will direct traffic lights based on traffic flow, the distance between crossroads, vehicle speeds and other data.

With a more centralized system of control, including "green-wave belts" of traffic lights, motorists will stop less frequently and allow for a better flow of traffic at crossroads.

Before 2008, trains on the city's four subway lines will be fitted with televisions. Passengers will be able to watch sports during the Games on the train.

In 2008, all buses in Beijing will announce the names of bus stations in both Chinese and English.

Beijing plans to eventually introduce Euro IV emission standards as the city imposes ever-stricter exhaust standards on automobiles.

Trust in traffic control

For Beijing's 15 million residents, traveling during peak hours can be frustratingly time-consuming, yet many place their faith in local authorities' ability to tackle the problem.

"I have never worried about Beijing's traffic during the Games because I believe many measures will be taken by the government, and residents will voluntarily take action to support the Games," said Zhang Xinli, a 50-year-old woman living in Beijing.

For motorists, car restrictions will be imposed during the Games but details have yet to be worked out, Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan said recently.

"What I worry about are the deteriorating traffic conditions for ordinary people on a regular basis," Zhang said.

Except for those Games participants who enjoy special temporary transport measures, thousands of foreign visitors will have to depend on public transport just as local residents do, said Guo Fei, a Bank of Beijing employee.

Some 500,000 foreign visitors are expected in Beijing during the Games. One side of the local culture they probably do not want to experience is the long traveling times.

Zhang Xinli, living in Xuanwu District, said her father-in-law's house in Chaoyang District is more than a two-hour bus ride away. The house, near the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest, is less than 25 km away.

"I could take the subway," she said. "It's quicker and there aren't any traffic jams. But the problem is the inconvenience. Due to the long distance from my home to the subway station, I have to take a bus first. Then, when I get off the train, I have to take another bus to reach my destination."

In contrast, it takes her nephew less than half the time to make the journey by car.

Beijingers register at least 1,000 new cars every day. By the end of 2006, there were 2.85 million vehicles in the city.

In Beijing, only 30 percent of residents choose public transport, compared to up to 60 percent in other major world cities.

By 2010, the government hopes 40 percent of Beijingers will use public transport as their primary means of transportation.

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