Beijing subway Update: Station Closure and Escalator Safety
Table of Contents
Two crucial updates for commuters in the capital city.
By anya Sharma | BEIJING – 2025/05/24 11:49:53
Bajiao Amusement Park Station to Close for Two Years
The Beijing municipal Commission of Transport has announced the upcoming closure of Bajiao Amusement Park station (八角游乐园站) on Line 1.Starting Jun 2, 2025, the station will be closed for construction to facilitate its integration as a transfer point with Line S1. The station is projected to reopen on May 2,2027.
during the closure, trains will continue to run on Line 1, but will not stop at Bajiao Amusement Park station.The upgrade includes expanding the stationS underground area, adding four new entrances and exits, constructing two pedestrian overpasses, and creating a unified security and gate check area for the north and south sections of the station.
To mitigate the disruption, aboveground transportation will be adjusted.These measures include increasing the capacity of existing bus routes, modifying bus stop locations, and extending some bus lines. As an example, bus routes 专210, 529, and 597 will connect Line 1’s Gucheng station (古城站) with Line 6’s Yangzhuang station (杨庄站), while routes 专86, 专91 and 965 will temporarily extend their service from Bajiao Amusement Park station to Babaoshan station (八宝山站).
Walking on escalators carries an increased likelihood of an accident, and some 75 percent of escalator accidents are apparently caused by people walking on them.
New Campaign Urges Subway riders to Stand Still on Escalators
Subway riders in Beijing may have noticed new yellow footprints on escalators.These markings are part of a campaign encouraging passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator and hold the handrail, rather than walking on one side.
This initiative aims to reduce mechanical damage to escalators. According to recent reports, 95 percent of escalator damage is linked to unbalanced forces, such as those created when many people stand on one side while others walk.
Furthermore, subway escalators have steps with greater height and depth than regular stairs, and they operate at a steeper angle and faster speed. Walking on these escalators increases the risk of accidents; reports indicate that approximately 75 percent of escalator accidents are due to people walking on them.
Efficiency is another factor driving this change. Tests show that a fully occupied escalator can transport 113 passengers per minute, while an escalator with people standing on one side and walking on the other only moves about 81 passengers per minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the Bajiao Amusement Park station closing?
- The station is closing to be integrated as a transfer station with Line S1, requiring critically important construction and upgrades.
- What alternative transportation options are available during the station closure?
- Increased bus capacity, adjusted bus stop locations, and extended bus lines will help mitigate the disruption.
- Why are people being asked to stand still on escalators?
- Standing still on escalators reduces mechanical damage, decreases the risk of accidents, and improves overall passenger flow.
