Comments from local press

Govt maintains cheap transit pledge

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform said the policy of two-yuan subway fare will stay on after public discussion of a possible fare increase.

Because subways are overcrowded during the rush hour and because of the heavy financial burden on the city government of subsidizing the network, it has been suggested that the fare be raised to five or six yuan at some times of the day. Those who hold a prepaid card and must take the subway to get to work reportedly will not be affected.