THE extension of Metro Line 2 (Shekou Line) will open at 2 p.m. today.

The fare from Chiwan in Shekou to Xinxiu in Luohu is 8 yuan (US$1.2) and will take 68 minutes.

The extension covers about 20 kilometers with 17 stations from the Window of the World Station to Xinxiu Station.

The trunk line is expected to relieve pressure on commuters traveling between Luohu, Futian and Nanshan. It will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. running at 10-minute intervals.

Passengers can change to Line 1 at Window of the World Station and Grand Theater Station. They can also change to Line 3 (Longgang Line) at Futian Station, Line 4 (Longhua Line) at Civic Center Station and Line 5 (Huanzhong Line) at Huangbeiling Station.

Huaqiangbei Station is expected to be the busiest handling 60,000 passengers a day and 80,000 during holidays.

The first phase of the line from Chiwan Station to Window of the World Station opened at the end of last year, running from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The underground section of Metro Line 3, the Universiade Line, also opens at 2 p.m. today.

(Han Ximin)