Longgang Line staff (photo by Sun Yuchen)

 

Passengers checking the metro map at a station

 

Shenzhen Metro Map

 

WITH the opening of the five Metro lines in the past two weeks, city rail, bus and port terminals were linked by the 178-km Metro network.

The Metro service will not only provide environmentally-friendly commuting, but also promote business along the rail lines and expand the city capacity, Zhao Penglin, head of Shenzhen Rail Construction Office, said June 28th.

In such a highly populated city with a population of 14 million and 1.8 million motor vehicles, the Metro was the best choice for Shenzhen, Zhao said.

At full capacity, the Metro will transport 5 million passengers a day in the future which means more than one third of the city's population will change their commuting practice by reducing the use of cars.

The Metro lines will also promote the integration of special economic zones, socially and economically. It will also help Shenzhen to link with the rail network in Guangdong and China.

"We have built three major transport hubs on the Metro lines. Passengers can take high-speed trains to Beijing at the end of the year and Xiamen at the end of next year from Shenzhen North Railway Station. They can take trains to Hong Kong at Futian Station at the end of the 2014," Zhao said.

Of the 118 stations, 47 were in Longgang and Bao'an districts. The Huanzhong Line, which mainly runs through the two districts, will be connected with the other 11 lines in the next 10 years.

"The extensive Metro network will help improve urban management level, promote the industrial layout and reduce transport costs for businesses," Zhao said.

 

Metro links 80% Games venues

PASSENGERS with Universiade tickets will be allowed free travel on Metro trains to sports event being held between Aug. 12 and 23.

With the opening of five lines, especially the Longgang Line, the Metro network covers 80 percent of the Universiade venues.

At least 1 million people will use Metro services each day during the Universiade when police will impose controls on roads and restrict vehicles according to even or odd numbers on respective days.

Universiade Station on the Longgang line was near the Universiade Sports Center, where track and field, and cycling events will be held. Passengers can also take Shekou Line and get off at Houhai Station to see the table tennis finals at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, where the opening ceremony will also be held. They can take Luobao Line and get off at Window of World Station to see the closing ceremony.

The city built 21 venues and renovated more than 40 old stadiums for the Universiade.

(Han Ximin)