From Chinese Press

Metro ticket price rise won't help

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-22 09:56

Reports that Beijing metro authorities may raise the price of tickets for rush-hour commuters have aroused public concern. Although it is still not certain whether the authorities really have such a plan, raising the price of tickets will not solve the problem of overcrowding during rush hour, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

It is not known whether the authorities really have a plan to raise the price of tickets, but officials do think that such a move would deter "casual" passengers from using the metro during rush hour.

The fact, however, is that most of the commuters take the metro during rush hour to travel to and from work and would continue doing so irrespective of the price of tickets.

No one wants to travel by subway trains if it is not necessary, and increasing the price of tickets won't curb their need. Therefore, the move will not reduce the number of commuters during rush hour.

The move will only result in taxing commuters. Higher prices can become a burden for many people in these times of high inflation.

Tickets for the Beijing subway are cheaper compared to metros in other cities. So it seems that increasing the price is a matter of course for some government departments.

But the price of tickets should be kept low as a strategy to make more people use public transport to reduce traffic jams in the city and thus cut carbon emissions.

Overcrowding of the metro during rush hour is the result of city planners' misjudgment. The problem needs a long-term solution, which can be achieved through proper planning. In the short term, more bus lanes should be created and more buses should be pressed into service to ease the pressure on the metro.