"Qingdao will provide the best transport service for the sailing athletes coming from all over the world during the Olympic Games in August," said Zhao Yingchun, deputy director of Qingdao Communication Committee.

Eighty percent of buses in Qingdao, the host city of 2008 Olympic sailing competition, now meet the Euro II emission standards. The city's public traffic system, which has progressed through five years of effort, is well prepared for the Olympic Games.

According to Zhao, 560 million yuan has been invested in upgrading the bus fleet since 2006, with 2,856 now meeting Euro II standards.

He added that 180 million yuan will be spent this year to buy 502 new buses meeting Euro III standards.

In addition, nine parking lots and 83 bus stations have been newly built and 30 new bus lines are operational.

Special bus lines like the "Olympic Nonstop" and "Olympic Special" will be provided for participants in the Games.

The city says it now leads the nation in bus line density and emission control standards.

Taxi drivers are also encouraged to improve their vehicles and services, according to Zhao. Qingdao's 15,000 taxi drivers are required to dress in uniforms, while strict supervision will ensure professional performance.

Training programs, including languages, knowledge of the Olympic Games, and etiquette, are required for bus and taxi drivers as well as service personnel at the airport. The city reports that 500 drivers in the city are able to communicate with passengers in foreign languages.

Twenty barrier-free taxis and six barrier-free buses will be provided for the Paralympic Games in September.

Direct bus lines will link hotels and competition venues with Qingdao's airport, railway station and seaport.

"Passengers from both home and abroad will enjoy complete and excellent public transport services during the Olympic Games sailing competition and beyond," Zhao said.

(China Daily May 31, 2008)