Heavy traffic slows commuters in Beijing

Residents of Beijing found their way to work impeded by severe traffic congestion on Tuesday, the first workday of the new year.

Data from the Beijing transportation operations coordination center indicated a road network traffic index of 8.15 during the Tuesday morning peak, meaning "serious congestion". It lasted for around an hour.

Also, 2.41 million people had entered or exited subway stations by 9 am, an increase of 28 percent over last week. Bus ridership reached 970,000, up by 17 percent.

With the resumption of work, combined with no restrictions on private cars, Beijing's traffic network is feeling new pressure. The center suggested that people adjust their shifts to commute more efficiently.

Wang Songsong contributed to this story.