Finding a fair fare for new airport express

A hearing on ticket prices for a new airport express line, set to open next month, will be held on Wednesday, the Beijing Morning Post reported yesterday.

The new light rail system will connect downtown Beijing with the Capital International Airport.

The price of many public utilities, including electricity, mobile phone services and bus travel, are subject to public hearings.

The hearings are organized by government departments, which invite delegates representing select interest groups to participate.

The Beijing Dongzhimen Airport Express Rail, the operator of the new line, has offered two proposed prices: 25 yuan ($3.65) and 30 yuan for a one-way ticket.

The proposed price is higher than the average cost of an airport shuttle, but lower than a standard taxi fare.

Gao Peng, chairman of the company, said he hopes the price will be competitive enough to promote "green commuting".

Some potential passengers agree.

"I think it can save me a lot of time and money. My mother and I will take the airport express when she comes from Canada next month," said teacher Richard Annin.

However, others say they will still prefer to take a taxi.

"People like me care more about convenience than the price. A taxi is always on the top of my list," said Benson Leung, a journalist.

Airport shuttle services, which will compete with the new rail line, are also paying close attention to price proposals.

"Of course, the airport express will influence our business, but we have our own advantages like the lower fares and broader coverage of the six lines around Beijing," said Zhang Yuqing, director of the Airport Shuttle Office.

Some passengers said price is not their only consideration.

"I will not take the new line, as I often have to carry heavy luggage," said Chen Hua, a consultant.

Chen explained it was easier to transport bulky luggage in a taxi.

The 28.5-km line will stop at two downtown subway stations, Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao, and airport terminals 2 and 3.

Trains will leave about every 10 minutes, and the journey time will be as little as 16 minutes, planners of the project have said.