Beijing to Open Another Subway Line

The new Beijing subway Fangshan Line began test operations Saturday and will open to traffic by the end of this year, adding another line to Beijing's sprawling subway network.

The 25-kilometer light rail line will link Beijing's central districts with Fangshan District, its southwestern suburb, according to the Beijing Subway Construction and Administration Corporation.

The newly built line is expected to help ease ground traffic and traffic jams in the Chinese capital.

Two parking lots, with 350 parking spaces, will be built along the line in a bid to get nearby residents out of their cars and onto public transportation.

The total length of Beijing subway lines is 228 kilometers, and this figure will increase to 300 kilometers after five lines begin operating this year.