BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao rode the Beijing metro system Wednesday to test the capital's transport preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Wearing a white sleeved shirt, he stepped onto a
China Railways High-speed (CRH) train that shuttles between the Beijing South
Railway Station and the neighboring Tianjin Municipality.
Chinese President Hu Jintao rides on a
high-speed train to test Beijing's transport preparations for the upcoming
Olympic Games on June 25, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo
Gallery>>>
"The
high-speed trains have been a milestone in the history of China's railway
development," he told rail officials and stewards while on board. He stressed
the need to provide safe and fast service during the August Games.
The inter-city shuttle will transport Olympic
spectators, athletes and other passengers during the Games. Some football
preliminary matches will be held in Tianjin.
When arriving back to the Dongzhimen metro terminal
in the capital's downtown, Hu purchased a ticket from an automat machine and
test rode the new line to the Beijing Capital International Airport.
Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands
with construction workers Wednesday in the Beijing South Railway Station,
which is still final construction and will be put in formal use on August
1. (Xinhua Photo) Photo
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"Beijing's
metro system has developed quickly by extending its length and coverage. The
system has made a great contribution to easing the traffic pressure.
"The metro's administrators should provide safe,
comfortable and fast transportation for both the Olympic personnel and ordinary
citizens during the Games, since visitors from home and abroad will increase a
lot."
After the 20-minute ride, Hu reminded waitresses
serving in the main hall of the newly-built terminal three at the airport to
keep in good order and provide decent service, as the spectacular Norman
Foster-designed structure was the "first gate of the country" that most
foreigners saw.
Chinese President Hu Jintao talks with
foreign visitors in the main hall of the newly-built Terminal Three at the
airport on June 25, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo
Gallery>>>
Hu
told some foreign passengers waiting in the terminal that China would "open its
arms to welcome all the friends of the world to come."
He also inspected the main tower of the airport which
handled thousands of flights daily and was delighted to know that parking bays
for aircraft had been increased from 164 to 314.
"All the transportation systems prepared for the
Games should do their last-minute checks and secure safety and speed as the host
city promised to the world. The preparations should satisfy all visitors and
benefit local residents."
