Guangzhou's metro system will extend operating hours on some lines and increase train capacity to handle higher passenger volumes during the Qingming Festival holiday period, the operator Guangzhou Metro has announced.
On April 3, the day before the holiday, passenger numbers are expected to exceed 11 million trips as commuter and holiday travel peaks overlap. The peak travel day of April 5 is forecast to see about 9 million trips.
Earlier evening peak
On April 3, the evening peak is expected to start earlier than usual, from 12:00 to 13:00, on Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 21 and the Guangfo Line. Nine additional train services will be added to Lines 3, 7 and 9 during the peak period. More than 40 backup trains will be positioned across the network to be deployed as needed.
From April 4 to 6, five to 18 additional trains will operate each day compared to a normal weekend schedule.
On April 3, express services on Line 14 will be replaced by regular trains from 12:00 to the end of service. The same arrangement will apply from 13:20 until the end of service on April 4, 5, and 6.
On April 6, Line 14 will run additional short-line services between Jiahewanggang and Taiping from 14:00 to 21:30 to accommodate students returning to school. Line 21 will also operate at higher capacity.
Extended service
On the final day of the holiday, April 6, operating hours will be extended by one hour on Lines 1, 2, 3 (including its northern extension), 5, 7, 8 and the western section of Line 12 (Xunfenggang to Guangzhou Gymnasium).
Station management
Stations near cemeteries, transport hubs, and popular attractions are expected to see the largest crowds.
These include Yantang, Tianhe Coach Terminal, Xilang and Yongtai near cemeteries;
Guangzhou South Railway Station, Guangzhou East Railway Station, Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station, Shitan and Guangzhou Railway Station for transport connections;
Tiyu Xilu, Zhujiang New Town and Jiahewanggang as major interchange points;
and Beijing Lu, Gongyuanqian, Canton Tower, Yuntai Garden, Zoo and Datang near tourist sites.
Metro staff may implement crowd control measures at stations as needed. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys and travel outside peak hours when possible.
Small quantities of incense and paper offerings for tomb-sweeping may be carried on board if properly wrapped.
With the region entering its rainy season, the metro operator reminded passengers to take extra care when traveling in wet weather. Umbrellas can be borrowed, or disposable raincoats can be obtained at stations. During heavy rain, escalators at station entrances may be temporarily switched off for safety reasons.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Nanfang Plus
