Special report: 2008 Olympic
Games
BEIJING, July 31 -- China has tightened security and increased checks on
buses in Beijing. The head of the city's Public Bus System announced the changes
on Tuesday. The moves come in the wake of a bus explosion in the southwestern
province of Yunnan that injured a dozen people.
For residents and visitors in the capital, public buses are still the
favorite way to get around. But security is weak in the vast system, and
security checks are difficult to carry out.
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China has tightened security and
increased checks on
buses in Beijing. The head of the city's Public
Bus
System announced the changes on Tuesday. (Photo:
CCTV.com)
Photo
Gallery>>> |
At the Beijing public bus control center, monitors are inspecting major bus
stations. The head of the system says measures are being taken to tighten
security.
Feng Xingfu, Vice Managing Director, Beijing Public Transport Holdings
LTD., said, " We have set safety checking machines at major long-distance bus
stations in Beijing. Our ticket conductors will keep alert to any suspicious
passengers and their belongings on the buses. Starting this weekend, 30,000 red
armbands will be worn by drivers and ticket conductors. Their role is to check
security in addition to their regular responsibilities."
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Feng Xingfu, Vice Managing Director,
Beijing Public
Transport Holdings LTD. (Photo: CCTV.com)
Photo Gallery>>> |
As drivers and ticket conductors are not allowed to check passengers' bags,
they'll have to rely on their judgment. So far, they've been carrying out more
frequent inspections every day.
Li Qi, a driver, said, " We are told to announce to the passengers on the
bus not to take flammable and dangerous materials, and to open their bottles and
smell the liquid if necessary. "
Wang Zhong, a driver, said, "We will stop the bus immediately if we find
there is a danger, and then dial the police. At the same time, we will try to
calm the passengers and avoid unnecessary injuries. "
The government insists that these measures are for the safety of people in
the city. Many citizens have expressed their understanding and concern.
Passenger said, " I fully understand the situation. This is necessary for
our safety."
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China has tightened security and
increased checks on buses in Beijing. (Photo: CCTV.com)
Photo Gallery>>> |
Passenger said, " I have some worries about security, but I also feel
confident that the government is taking effective measures to guarantee travel
safety. "
Unlike the subway system, which has guards and screening stations, buses
only have drivers and conductors. With an estimated 13 million passengers riding
the buses everyday, keeping them safe is a top priority and a challenge.
(Source: CCTV.com)
Beijing tightens subway security to
screen all bags
BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Beijing commuters will
face even tighter security checks from Thursday when subway passengers will have
to submit all bags for screening.
Even small handbags must go through x-ray machines or
portable scanners, the subway operators announced Wednesday. Full story
China steps up Tiananmen Square
security check ahead of Olympics
BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) -- China has beefed up its
security measures at Tiananmen Square as the number of tourists increase and
will only allow limited access to the area for cultural and sports shows and
fireworks on Aug. 8, it was announced on Wednesday.
"The square will be open to the public as soon as
possible after the morning activities on Aug. 8," said Jia Yingting, the
Tiananmen Square management committee deputy-director, at a press conference
here. Full story
