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Subways in the Chinese capital of Beijing will introduce intelligent cards (IC cards) and automatic ticket-checking systems in the near future in a bid to increase speed and convenience for passengers, a government official said on Thursday.

The IC cards will replace the current three-yuan (3.6 US cents) train ticket, which provides access to all of Beijing's 39 subway stops, the official said, noting that the new automatic fee system will charge passengers according to the distance they travel.

The current monthly tickets, which serve as tickets for a month at preferential prices, will be no longer be valid once the new system is in place, he added.

Beijing has two interconnecting subway lines, a loop line that encircles the old city and another line that runs east-west past Tian'anmen Square.

Meanwhile, the official also revealed that an above-ground light-rail line serving the city's northern districts will be finished by the end of next year. It will also use the IC card system.

IC cards have been used regularly in Shanghai and GuangZhou in subways, taxis and buses.
Besides changing the payment system, Beijing transportation authorities were also planning to extend the subway's operation times in the near future, the official said.

The government made the decision to keep the subways running longer after conducting a survey of 5,000 passengers.(chinadaily.com.cn.)(12/20/2001)