Related stories

Beijing Rail Stations to Be Linked by Metro Line Beijing Plans to Build Underground Road Network Call for Toilets in Business Venues to Open to Public Beijing to Build Second Subway Loop Line Rocky Route to Business Success

Beijing to Build Airport–Downtown Metro

Construction on a metro line connecting the Beijing Capital International Airport and Downtown Beijing began in January and should be completed by June 2008, in time for the Olympics. Trains will be able to complete the journey in 16 minutes. It now takes a taxi at least half an hour to cover the same section on an expressway, assuming no traffic jams.

The project will be the first train scheme in Beijing to be built without government money. Liu Jian, of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Reform and Development, said the project has been approved by the National Commission of Reform and Development. Liu said the line, which connects the airport and Dongzhimen in Downtown Beijing, will be 27.3 kilometres long and will have four stations: Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao and the No. 2 and No. 3 terminal buildings at the airport. Liu estimated the price for a single trip will be about 20 yuan (US$2.50).