Society

Free subway service in Guangzhou attracts 2m new passengers

(www.chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-02 14:23

Guangzhou - The Guangzhou subway system saw a historic passenger flow on November 1, the first day of free rides during the 30 working days of the Asian Games. The Guangzhou Metro Corporation said over 6 million people chose to take subway on Monday, 2 million more than on regular days.

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One passenger said it took her nearly half an hour to get into the station in the morning as people waiting to board lined up outside.

Some migrant workers who usual ride their bicycles to work joined subway passengers, and those who normally walk to work also took the free ride on Monday, Guangzhou Daily reported.

The Guangzhou Metro Corporation began to take control measures on the number of passengers on Monday, calling on citizens to take other vehicles during the peak period to relieve pressure on the subway.

Free transport service is offered to the public in Guangzhou during the 30 working days of the Asian Games and Paralympic Games. Guangzhou locals and visitors are entitled to 30 days of free subway, bus and water bus transport services. Privately owned vehicles, meanwhile, may only hit the roads on half the days, alternating based on whether the last digit on a vehicle’s license plate is odd or even.

Passengers wait to board subway, Guangzhou, Nov 1, 2010. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]