A 41km commuter railway in north Beijing that passes through Zhongguancun high-tech area has officially become operational, said South China Morning Post. City Rail, which runs overground between the Xizhimen and Dongzhimen subway stations, is intended to alleviate traffic congestion.
The line cost Yn16.5bn to build and includes 16 stations, including Qinghua University and Wangjing, a huge commercial housing development. Tickets cost Yn3, or Yn5 for a subway transfer. The journey from north Beijing to the city centre takes up to an hour, compared with up to two hours by road.