Beijing to build first tramway line in 50 years

Beijing will build its first tramway line in 50 years for both tourist and public transport purposes, the transit authority said Wednesday.

With six stations, the line will connect tourist spots in western Beijing such as the Summer Palace, Fragrant Hill and the botanical gardens, according to Beijing Public Transportation Group.

Total length of the line will be 8.8 km, including a 1.36-km underground section. Ten meters wide and 32 meters long, the street cars will have a capacity of 300 passengers per car.

The official estimates maximum capacity of the line will reach 10,000 passengers per hour each way, far in the excess of the expected 3,000 to 5,000 rush hour passengers.

The project is expected to cost 4.7 billion yuan (680 million U.S. dollars), and new company will be established.

The last tramway in the city, from Beijing Gymnasium to the south railway station, ended its service in 1966.