Olympic-minded officials bring Beijing traffic to a crawl

Beijing, China has been the subject of many eco-slams lately, due to its poor air-quality in conjunction with hosting this year’s Summer Olympic games. Perhaps this outcry over whether or not the city is environmentally suitable to host the games has persuaded the city of Beijing to start limiting traffic through its busy streets. According to city official, cars will be allowed to drive only on alternating days based on the license plate of the vehicle – allowing for only half of the 3.3 million registered vehicles to be on the road each day.

Under this traffic plan, the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 Paralympics, from September 6 until 17. The restrictions are expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorve this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.

Anyone caught driving when they shouldn’t be will be subject to a $14 fine.

But what about the residents who need to get around? Beijing is reportedly adding additional buses and subway routes for residents and visitors alike, including 2,500 large-size buses and 4,500 minibuses to be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers, transporting people across various venues, while 7 new subway lines, 80 new stations and a direct link to Beijing Capital International Airport were opened on this week. Officials expect these new lines to transport a projected 1.1 million passengers per day. 

Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.

The city is also limiting manufacturing plants to a 70% emissions cap as compared to its previous allowances.

So far, a handful of countries and their athletes have chosen to not participate in the events, including Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, the world’s greatest distance runner. He has opted out of the marathon event due to the city’s air quality.