Beijing welcome significant expansion of their urban rail network

The 14.4km Yanfang Line is now the first driverless metro line in Beijing. The nine-station route operates with onboard attendants on a fleet of four-car Type B Dolphin transits. Supplied by CRRC Changchun the stainless-steel-bodied sets have a maximum speed of 80km/h.

Overall, there has been at least 6.9km of extension across the metro lines, with still more to be completed. For example, a 1.6km extension to Pingguoyuan on metro Line 1 is due to open in 2019: demonstrating Beijing’s dedication to updating their public transportation systems and commitment to improving the passenger experience.

On the same day as the driverless metro opened, the city’s first medium-speed maglev line began revenue service. Named the Mentougou Line, or Line S1, the route includes a short underground section where it crosses the Beijing-Shacheng railway, serves seven stations and with 10 six-car trainsets from CRRC Tangshan the maglev has a maximum speed of 110km/h.

Into the city’s transportation system, modern trams were also added onto an 8.6km line that serves six stops between Bagou and Xiangshan Park: the northwest of the city.

The fleet of 31 five-section 100 per cent low-floor bidirectional trams were supplied by CRRC Dalian. 4.4km of the route is catenary-free and in this section the trams will utilise the Tramwave ground-level power supply. Able to run in pairs the trams have a capacity of 300 passengers and a maximum speed of 70km/h.

Beijing is making a conscious effort to keep their transportation options modern and efficient; taking steps towards a cleaner and more enjoyable public transport system.