Car-Free Day gains momentum in China
Updated: 2013-09-22 15:25
(chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
More than 150 Chinese cities including Beijing observed World Car Free Day on Sunday to fight air pollution, but the capital remained clogged with traffic jams.
Car-free zones were introduced in areas near Beijing Olympic Park, the bustling commercial street of Wangfujing, and popular tourist destination Nanluoguxiang on Sunday.
Residents were encouraged to get around by foot, bicycle or use public transportation, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
In order to make traveling across the city more convenient, all 17 subway lines will extend their service time for 30 minutes on Sunday.
Government officials and locals took part to support the city's efforts in promoting green transportation and bringing about cleaner air.
However, as the first workday after the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival, and the day that cars are not required to be taken off the road based on their license plate numbers, Sunday's traffic was unlikely to ease much, especially during peak times, the commission predicted.
Other cities took part as well.
In Zhengzhou, capital city of central China's Henan Province, 90 percent of government cars were not allowed to be on the road.
Shanghai Public Transportation Card Company held a public transportation promotion and offered a lottery with 1 million yuan ($163,400) worth of gifts.
It is the seventh year that the country has observed Car Free Day.
- In pictures: Nairobi mall shooting spree
- Bo Xilai gets life in prison
- Liaoning carrier completes its furthest sea trial
- Milan Fashion Week
- Oktoberfest kicks off in Germany
- China, US applaud improvement of military ties
- Two family-style eateries are where animals roam
- China braces for super typhoon Usagi
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
New energy solutions |
Xinjiang scores on the national stage at last |
Watchdog bites with no favor |
Happily ever after until the divorce |
Africa looks to the Orient for lessons |
Private push |
Today's Top News
Bo Xilai gets life in prison
China braces for super typhoon Usagi
New Sino-US ties sought
Explosive criminal cases drop in China
One Chinese killed in Nairobi attack
China sees drop in donations
Charges against Saudi princess in US dismissed
Trending news across China
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |