Easing traffic jams top priority in Beijing

Vehicles drive through the Guomao Bridge on a heavy haze day in Beijing's central business district January 29, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

The Beijing municipal government announced on Monday 32 items on the to-do list to benefit people in 2013, with controlling traffic jams at the top of the list, Beijing Times reported Tuesday.

Among the 1,500 suggestions from Beijing citizens, people are most concerned with how to solve the traffic congestion and improve living conditions, an official from the general office of the Beijing municipal government said.

The pollution problem generated by traffic jams has also become a hot topic among citizens, and there are data showing that 22.2% of PM2.5 pollution comes from automotive emissions, the official said.

Beijing plans to finish 30 projects to address the traffic jam problem, open and change 40 bus lines, and replace 3,000 old buses, according to the to-do list.

In addition, 20,000 parking spaces, 10 kilometers of bus lanes and more subway lines will be developed in Beijing.

Improving social insurance ability and providing convenient service in medical treatment are also on the to-do list.