A deliveryman takes part in a pilot project to transport express parcels during off-peak hours by subway, Beijing, China, September 23, 2023. /CFP
A deliveryman takes part in a pilot project to transport express parcels during off-peak hours by subway, Beijing, China, September 23, 2023. /CFP
A pilot project to transport express parcels by subway during off-peak hours began in Beijing on Saturday.
The project is intended to reduce road congestion and lower carbon emissions in the Chinese capital.
Beijing's urban rail transit network has been expanding in recent years, with 27 lines currently covering a total distance of 807 kilometers, according to Wang Shuling from the Beijing Transport Institute.
The capital handles approximately 15 million express parcels every day, and most are delivered by road.
The pioneering project "leverages the surplus capacity of subway systems during off-peak hours," Wang said. "It is expected to gradually alleviate traffic congestion while lowering carbon emissions."
To ensure the safe and orderly operations of the pilot lines, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has stipulated that goods transported must follow safety protocols and pass security checks, according to a commission official.
Participating companies have designed reusable express delivery boxes that are compatible with urban rail transit dimensions, and developed dedicated trolleys that can facilitate safe and convenient transportation, Zhou said.
(With input from Xinhua)