Beijing's municipal transportation bureau is taking energetic steps to combat traffic congestion. 

With the rapidly increasing number of motor vehicles in recent years Beijing's municipal transportation bureau is taking energetic steps to combat traffic congestion.

In dense urban areas, tolls will be charged, and parking prices will be increased at peak times, based on traffic sections. Parking will be cheaper around the fifth ring road, encouraging mini-bus users to enter downtown by regular buses.

New routes will open into existing lanes and Hutongs. Total length of transportation lanes by 2010 is expected to be 325 kilometers, three and a half times the current length.

Point of sale machines will be installed in all new cabs and 2,000 buses to expand payment methods with cards.

And the authority may cancel monthly tickets.

(CRI April 7, 2004)