Beijing subway fare rise justified

Beijing's subway system - one of the longest in the world at 465 kilometers - is plagued by excessive congestion and costly government subsidies. Now, in a controversial move, the Beijing municipal government has decided to increase the subway fare, currently fixed at 2 yuan ($0.33) per trip. If the proposal survives an upcoming public hearing, Beijing will join the ranks of cities like Sao Paulo and Mexico City in raising public transport fares.

A public outcry against any fare increase and the subway system's poor service has erupted since the government's announcement. But before passing a judgment, we should analyze why the city authorities have chosen to raise the subway fare.

Beijing has undergone what could be termed a "subway boom" in the last decade. The city's subway's length has increased dramatically from 54 km and just two lines in 2001 to 465 km and 17 lines in 2013, carrying more than 10 million riders every weekday.