Popularity of public transit growing

Forty-six percent of residents preferred travel by public transportation in 2013, and 48 percent prefer it this year, Beijing's traffic authority said on Monday.

To alleviate the capital's air pollution, Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has expanded public transportation and related facilities, and called upon residents to travel by bus and subway.

Up to December, the authority established 26,850 car parking lots in the city's communities and started 45 bus routes for rural business commuters, according to statistics released by the municipal people's congress.

Meanwhile, more than 12,000 "black cars" — unauthorized taxis known for price gouging — were curtailed and 52 freelance drivers were banned.

Fang Ping, the commission's spokesman, said at a news conference on Wednesday that 2,850 new-energy vehicles will be used this year, helping to cut pollution.

"We also decided to provide more space, or leave at least 80 roads in busy areas of the city — such as Sanlitun in Chaoyang district and Shichahai in Xicheng district — for bicycles and pedestrians to use and ensure their safety," he said.

During the city's two sessions, many deputies and political advisers provided suggestions for the commission to reform public transportation fares, which Fang said he will share with other government departments for study.

Which plan will be adopted is uncertain at this time, he said.