New public transport fare structure comes into effect

Beijing's public transportation system adopted a new fare structure on Sunday in the first ticket price rise in seven years, and authorities warned of a crowded rush hour on Monday as passengers familiarize themselves with the new system.

The minimum price of a subway ride in the capital has been increased to 3 yuan from the old flat-fare of 2 yuan with unlimited transfers, with fares increasing according to the distance traveled. For bus passengers, a ride will be 2 yuan for up to 10 kilometers and 1 yuan for every additional 5 km.

The capital's public transportation fares were last adjusted in 2007, when authorities adopted low ticket prices to encourage the use of public transport to ease road traffic congestion.