Bus and subway fare rises a step nearer in Beijing

Bus and subway fares in Beijing are poised to increase under proposals released by the city's top economic planner on Monday.

The initial subway fare will either remain at 2 yuan (32 US cents) or rise to 3 yuan, but fares will then increase according to distance traveled.

Under the Beijing Commission of Development and Reform's proposals, which are aimed at reducing government public transportation subsidies, the average subway fare paid will be 4.30 or 4.40 yuan.