The start of a new year has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward into the new year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want. Then what are Shanghai residents' expectations in 2008? Our Shanghai correspondent Zhou Jing takes a closer look.

Reporter: Yang Lili and her family live in a tiny apartment of less than 20 square meters. Both her husband and son are jobless due to illness. Yang's 1300 yuan monthly salary is the family's only source of income.

Years ago when the low-rent housing policy was introduced in Shanghai, Yang thought her living condition would have improved. However, Yang's family was just excluded from the beneficiaries whose monthly income per capita is below the minimum living cost subsidy of 320 yuan.

What I concern most is a better living condition. However, we are just outside of those who can be benefited.

Last year, the city has loosened its low-rent policies to let more people enjoy the welfare. Yang Lili will soon be able to receive her housing subsidies.

It's like a dream. I didn't expect the government changed to policy to enlarge beneficiaries. I'm so grateful.

So far the change has been adopted in 61 communities across the city and 30,000 more families have already benefited. And this year the municipal government has vowed to promote it in every community of the city.

In addition, a multi-tier housing security system is taking shape in Shanghai as the city has been committed to developing not only low-rent and affordable housing for medium- and low-income families but also special dormitories for migrant workers in the city.

And Shanghai residents are no less concerned about transportation than with housing. Last Saturday, three new metro lines and two sections started a trial service. To, Dai Xin, a senior student of Shanghai International Studies University located in Songjiang university town, it's very exciting news. Before, to go to the company in Xujiahui where she works as an intern, she had to spend at least 4 hours commuting. Now the newly-opened line 9 reaches university town taking her only 40 minutes.

But Dai Xin still has a new years wish about the metro system.

I hope the line 9 can reach Yishan Road station where it can be connected with other lines in urban area. And it'll be even more convenient.

According to metro company authorities, the construction will be finished in 2008. Till then, not only Dai Xin, but also all residents in Songjiang will find it faster and easier to travel to major destinations across town.

Zhou Jing, CRI News, Shanghai.