An average 5.57 million passengers per day are expected to be transported via subway during the peak period of Spring Festival, up 14 percent from last year, the city's subway operator said Thursday.
Shanghai Shentong Metro Group said that to relieve pressure during the busy travel period, at least one extra train will be put into operation at crucial transportation hubs in the city, including Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station.
Similar measures will be implemented days after the weeklong national holiday, when another increase in subway passengers is expected from those returning to the city from their hometowns. The holiday crowd is expected to reach up to an average of 6.15 million passengers per day, said the subway operator.
Shanghai Railway Station along the Line 1, meanwhile, will open some 15 minutes earlier than regular operating hours at 5:30 am to allow passengers into the station to keep them warm from the outdoors.
The underground parking garage of the station, meanwhile, will remain open during the night for commuters who have an even longer wait.
The last eastbound train at Hongqiao Railway Station along the Line 2 will also keep up its extended operating hours during the break, running an hour later than normally, with passengers still able to get on at 11:30 pm.
Local authorities further assured that throughout the entire holiday period from January 8 to February 16, extra trains will be added on an as-needed basis to prevent subway traffic congestion.
Copyright ©1999-2011 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
