Beijing begins 2-month vehicle control plan for Olympic Games

The Chinese capital has begun a two-month-long scheme to reduce the number of vehicles on roads. The measures are aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving air quality as the Olympic Games nears.

The short-term rule stays in effect from July 20th to September 20th. Vehicles with even and odd number license plates will be allowed access to roads on alternate days in Beijing. There are currently over three million vehicles in the capital. Exceptions to the restrictions include police and other emergency vehicles, taxis, buses and embassy cars. The city has reserved almost 300 kilometers of lanes for vehicles serving the Olympics and Paralympics. These routes are set aside for exclusive use during the stipulated period.

Wang Li, Deputy Director of Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, said, "We have set a buffer period on top of the two-month-long control of vehicle use. That is, the even-odd number rule does NOT apply between 12 to 3 o'clock every morning."

As a result of the vehicle control scheme, an additional four million people are expected to take advantage of the public transportation system during the Olympic period. To deal with the situation, Beijing has expanded its total bus routes to 645. And those bus routes linking major Olympic venues will be operating on a 24-hour basis. On Saturday, three new subway lanes were opened to help manage passenger flow. And Olympic staff members, as well as volunteers, journalists and spectators are allowed to ride for free after showing identification or valid tickets to Olympic events.