Episode Details

As three new subway lines were put into operation on Sunday, Beijing's urban rail transit network has expanded to a total length of 879 kilometers, making it the longest in China, authorities said.

12月15日，北京3条地铁新线同步开通。相关部门表示北京城市轨道交通网络总里程已达879公里，长度居全国首位。

"The newly opened subway lines are crucial for easing traffic congestion in the city's central area and supporting the development of places along their routes," said Wu Yulan, deputy director of the rail transit operation management bureau at the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

北京市交通委轨道交通运营管理处副处长吴玉兰表示：“新开通的地铁线对于缓解北京中心城区交通压力，服务沿线重点功能区建设具有重要意义。”

The three new lines are the first phase of Line 3, connecting Dongsishitiao to Dongba North, Line 12, connecting Sijiqingqiao to Dongba North and the remaining section of the southern extension of the Changping Line. They contribute approximately 43 km to Beijing's urban rail transit network, according to the commission.

据北京市交通委介绍，三条新线路分别为3号线一期（东四十条—东坝北）、12号线（四季青桥—东坝北）以及昌平线南延一期剩余段（西土城—蓟门桥站及朱房北站），北京城市轨道交通运营里程新增约43公里。

Since the opening of Beijing's first subway line - Line 1, on Oct 1, 1969, the city has developed the longest urban rail transit network in the country, operating 29 subway lines and 522 stations. The subway system plays a foundational, supportive and

leading role in the capital's development, Wu said.

从1969年10月1日，作为北京第一条城市轨道交通的北京地铁1号线正式开通，到如今北京成为全国城市轨道交通运营里程最长城市，运营地铁线路29条、车站522座。吴玉兰表示，轨道交通在首都发展建设中发挥着基础性、支撑性、引领性作用。

"The three new lines not only add new east-west routes in the city center but also connects several north-south lines, providing new public transportation options for residents living in areas such as Madian, Anzhen and Dongba," she added.

“此次新开通3条地铁线，不仅在北京中心城区新增东西向轨道交通廊道，而且与多条南北向轨道交通线路连接，为马甸、安贞、东坝等居住区增添公共交通出行新选择。”她补充道。

Notably, the first phase of Line 3, which includes (passes) Chaoyang Railway Station, will enhance the rapid dispersal capacity of passenger flow at the railway station. Pas