Highway, Byway, and Subway

When I commute, I like to see where I am going, so when I have to travel to the west side of the city, I usually opt for taking the 728 bus or a taxi, rather than taking the Beijing Subway Line No. 1.

Sure, I could take the subway from Jianguomen and get off at the Wanshoulu stop, and it would be 37 minutes versus the 45 minutes to ìwho knows?î travel time on the bus or taxi, but I like to be above ground. Because, given how fast Beijing is transforming and building up, more so than ever, I want to enjoy the view. It’s great to ride along Chang’an Jie and to see the progression of buildings rising and rapidly coming to completion; Tian’anmen Square and the various flags of visiting international dignitaries billowing in the breeze; to see people from all over China and from around the world, the signage and especially the new stores and the changing scenes.

Going underground and taking the subway is usually a “last resort” for me. Choosing to take the subway means I must brave the crowded trains, sometimes poor ventilation, and worse yet, no cell phone reception for all the important calls that may come in during my commute.

But my perspective began to change with less predictable Beijing traffic and it got a jolt with my first ride on the subway Line 5. Two weeks ago, I finished a meeting at 6 p.m. in the Gateway building near Sanyuanqiao (near the northeast corner of the Third Ring Road). When I left the building, I walked out and tried to hail a taxi to rush to another 6:30 p.m. meeting. I knew it would be hard given the time of the day and where I was, but I didn’t know it would be as bad as it turned out to be. I could not get a cab because no vehicle was moving in the extreme traffic. I was exasperated…How could I get to Wangfujing in the next 30 minutes. In desperation, I rushed to the subway. Miraculously, a pedicab appeared; with my dress and rolling cart, I curled in and urgently requested to be taken “to the nearest subway station!” In short order, I found myself outside the Dongzhimen station. At a cost of 10 yuan, I was so grateful for the assistance.

Within minutes I was in the station, and I used my yikatong (IC) card, swiped it and caught the train heading west to the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), a stop where I could switch to the new Line 5 and head south to Dengshikou. I knew about the new line because of a new guidebook I have in which Beijing’s newest subway line was illustrated. Although I was in a rush, I stopped a moment to marvel at the brightly lit Lama Temple station when I got off at the interchange station. The station was staffed by friendly, helpful people who sent me in the right direction: toward Wanfujing. The station is quite artistic with its white jade posts and decorative ceiling and walls. I wished that I had more time to take in the stark contrast between this station and what I remembered of other stations in the capital, but I had to go to the Regent Hotel in a hurry. I get down to the platform and hey, there is a protective glass door and the LED screen above head (reminds me of the subway stations in Shanghai) tells me that the next train comes in three minutes. And that is not all. While I stood on the not very crowded platform, classical music chimed through and actually relaxed me a bit during the wait.

When the train arrived, riders calmly exited and entered. I was impressed, and noticed that I could actually make it to my meeting by 6:45 p.m.: late, but I didn't have to cancel like I thought I would have had to, and I was able to receive and make phone calls while on the train. My biggest surprise came when I arrived at my destination and realized there was a passage directly leading to the Regent Hotel! I knew the stop would bring me close to the site, but what a relief to be inside the hotel coming out of the station! I am glad I was able to make it to my appointment and I am glad I took the subway.  

Since that night, I have used the subway more frequently than ever before. (A good tip to note, you can use your IC card to pay for multiple people. My friend forgot his card, but instead of having to stand in line, I just swiped my IC card on both of the card machines. IC cards do not work consecutively, but alternately, you can save some time for your friends.)

I still love to “see” and when possible and when time allows, I want to be above ground. But with the subway, I can control my travel time, and I am quite impressed by how much effort Beijing Subway is putting into making this mode of transportation better and more efficient for all the riders. The well-lit stations with sufficient English signage and bilingual announcements really do take things to another level. The visually attractive stations make the time spent in transit bearable and even educational. I’ve learned a lot about Beijing history from the Wanfujing station, and the Dongdan station has some very inspiring and memorable pictures of citizens preparing for the Olympics. Hmm, I wonder when the airport line will open and how the stations will look.

 

Some observations and notes in being a subway returnee

 

Service Improvement

 

ï   Less expensive fare: At two yuan for any one-way subway, even the Line 13 light-rail train, itís a bargain. Get an IC card; itís the best.

ï   Orderly (and shorter) lines for ticket purchase: Donít think your longer arms will get you a ticket faster in a rush. The ticketing staff will not tolerate such behaviour.

ï   Friendlier staff: There has definitely been some uniformed staff training. The attendants by the platform entrance said ìthank youî to me and everyone else who swiped their cards and whenever they tore off the tickets.

ï   Helpful staff: I am directionally challenged, especially underground and itís great to get directions from the staff when I donít see where I want to go listed on the signs.

ï   Cleaner stations: No matter what time of the day, there is always someone sweeping and mopping at the station. I got off the Shihui station one day at 9:45 p.m. and the cleaner was diligently mopping away.

 

Tips for enjoying your ride on the Beijing Subway

 

ï   Go to the middle: If you are riding for more than a couple of stops, and you want a seat, go to the middle of the platform while waiting, because end carriages have fewer seats. Expect a mass exodus and entry at the transfer stations.

ï   Avoid Fridays and final trains: Given the convenience and efficiency of the subways, the trains will tend to be crowded all the time, but they are more so on Fridayís and with final trains of the day.

ï   Note closing times of mall/building subway passages:  Unfortunately, the doors of malls and office buildings and hotels do not correspond to the final train schedule, donít get caught having walked all the way up the stairs to find a locked door at the China World Mall or the Regent Hotel after 10 p.m.

ï   Know where you are going: Donít just follow the anxious crowd when the train gets into the station and the door opens. Look carefully at the arrow pointing to the next stop so you donít lose time.

ï   Be specific when meeting friends: If you are choosing to meet your friends at a station, unless they have very distinctive faces and features, Iíd recommend being as specific as you possibly can. Choose the exit that you want to meet by, such as A, B, C, or D. Avoid interchange stations, but if you must, meet above ground.  

ï   Travel light: Itís easier to squeeze between all the people and to shuffle between stations.

ï   Prepare for your stop: Move from the middle to the exit door, this is to help you get off quickly and to help those of us still on the train to move forward without delay.

 

Facts about the new Line No. 5

(data from the Beijing Subway)

 

ï   The new trains are made of aluminium; each six-carriage train can carry a maximum of 1,424 passengers.

ï   Every subway station has a different theme and colour scheme; check out the Lama Temple station with its decorative gold ceiling and white jade posts.

ï   Cell phone reception is available everywhere, even in transit.

ï   You can keep up with the news via the LCD screens installed in the new trains.

ï   The temperature at the platform will always be climate-controlled to maximize riders comfort in all seasons.

ï   From the northernmost station to the southernmost station, the total trip takes just 49 minutes.

ï   There are bicycle parking spots at the subway stations that can store up to 10,291 bikes.

ï   There are two security cameras in

    each carriage. 

ï   Each station has LED signage that counts down the time until the next train arrives.