Guangzhou to Reduce Public Transportation Fare

Passengers enter a MTR train at the Gongyuan Qian stop of Metro Line 1 in Guangzhoui, China. (Baike photo)

Guangzhou to Reduce Public Transportation Fare
Updated Nov 15 2007 05:07:15 Beijing Time
Source: www.lifeofguangzhou.com

Yesterday afternoon (Nov. 14th), Guangzhou Mayor, Zhang Guangning, gave a report on the development of Guangzhou this year to representatives of Guangzhou People's Congress. He predicted that the economic growth of the city will reach 14.2%.

He also released in his report that the government planed to increase the annual highway fee for autos, and reduce the public bus and subway fares at the same time. After thorough research and discussion, a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) trial line will soon be under constructed.






GDP from Jan. to Oct. up by 14.4% over the same period of last year

According to the report, the GDP of Guangzhou from Jan. to Oct. reached 562.947 billion yuan (76.518 billion USD), up by 14.4% over the same period of last year. It is expected the annual GDP will exceed 700 billion yuan (95.146 billion USD) with the growth of 14.2%. The budgetary revenue will amount to 200 billion yuan, up by 20%.

The auto and parts export becomes another promising industry. At present, 160 enterprises of the top 500 has invested and set up branches in Guangzhou.

From Jan. to Oct., the retail sales amounted to 211.712 billion yuan (28.777 billion USD), up by 17.8% with the highest growth speed in ten years.


State Council to hold meeting on food safety in Guangzhou

In regard of food safety, Zhang Guangning stated Guangzhou has set up a food safety management system. At the end of this month, State Council will hold the third food safety meeting in Guangzhou. The responsible persons from 31 provinces, municipalities and central government will attend the meeting.


Consultation meeting on bus and subway fares decrease will be held

In order to relieve the financial pressure of the government, Guangzhou plans to increase the annual highway fee for autos. At the same time, East-South-West Ring (Dongnanxi Ring) will be included in the annual fee system.

"The public transportation fare in Guangzhou has always been low in comparison nationwide," Mayor Zhang said. Guangzhou will hold a consultation meeting to hear citizens' opinions on the decrease of bus and subway fares soon.

Besides, the BRT plan has been confirmed and the trial line construction will be launched in the near future.

To further meet the demand of parking lots downtown, Guangzhou plans to build 50,000 parking lots before 2010.

(By Helena Zhang and Kimberly Barteau)

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Editor: Ronald Li