Beijing-Zhuozhou commuter route opens for trial runs

A special high-speed train started trial runs between Beijing and Zhuozhou in neighboring Hebei province, aiming to provide convenience for thousands of commuters.

The route, which costs less than 30 yuan ($4.45) for a one-way journey, can hold more than 1,000 passengers. It starts from Zhuozhou East Railway Station at 6:23 am and arrives at Beijing West Railway Station in 24 minutes, while the return trip starts from Beijing at 10 pm and arrives at Zhuozhou in 25 minutes, according to China Railway Beijing Bureau Group Co.

"It's very convenient for me. The departure time is reasonable. I can arrive at Beijing West at 6:47 in the morning. It allows me to have breakfast in Beijing before work," a commuter surnamed Li said. Li took the train from Zhuozhou on Monday morning.

Located about 60 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, Zhuozhou houses more than 7,000 commuters working in the capital, according to Guo Xueliang, head of the city's development and reform bureau.

More than 3,000 of them need to take trains to Beijing each day, said Zhao Yong, a staff member at Zhuozhou East. Others drive or take long-distance coaches.

According to Guo, there were already 19 high-speed trains stopping at Zhuozhou on the way to Beijing, arriving at Beijing West and Beijing Fengtai stations. But the time was not suitable for commuters.

Another passenger Tian Yong said he used to take another high-speed train that leaves around 7 am. "That used to put me in a hurry for work, but this one leaves early and can ensure an easy commute," Tian said.

The train is one among many moves designed to coordinate the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. It will help strengthen economic development and cultural exchanges between Beijing and Hebei, Guo said.

"It not only provides convenience for commuters, but also broadens channels for other citizens to go to Beijing in the morning rush hour."

"The commuter train helps shorten the travel distance between the two cities, which become like one city for frequent commuters and other passengers," said Wu Yiqing, vice-president of Hebei University of Economics and Business, who also holds a post at an innovation center for the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei.

Wu added it will also help attract resources to Zhuozhou from Beijing, including talented workers and projects.