The Beijing News
September 27, 2007

Eighty percent of citizen representatives agreed with a proposal to implement a flat fare of two yuan, which would replace the current system in which ticket prices on different lines range between two and 5 yuan. However, there are still questions as to how the drop in prices will affect ridership numbers; some representatives were concerned that rider safety could be threatened. On the question of whether to cancel the current monthly ticket system, ninety percent of representatives voiced their support. Currently, around 170,000 monthly passes are in circulation, but many of these are reportedly not in the hands of the people who need them most.

All opinions will be reported to relevant Beijing government departments. "Hopefully, the final decision will be made before October," said the deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Development & Reform Commission, "and after falling, we might have the lowest subway fares in China."

The front page photo shows a construction accident that occurred yesterday at Huawei Bridge on the East Third Ring Road. Three workers were in a well when it caved in. Two escaped but one remains buried in unknown condition.

Other headlines:
• According to insider news, new regulation are to be issued raising interest rates on second home loans to 10%; down payments are expected to rise to 40%;
• The Beijing Education Committee issued a new exam scheme for high school students yesterday that provides some relief to freshmen;
• A public health station in Tongzhou District was found to be injecting dogs with a fake rabies vaccine. The case has been turned over to the police.