Metro Network Upgraded and More inter-change stations to be added
eThe Guangzhou government yesterday (March 2) announced the details of the 2011-2015 metro network proposal and the layout plan for 2020. According to the plan, the metro network will be further upgraded and thought will be given to better integrate modern urban construction and the renovation of the city's old districts. What's more, new interchange stations will open-up including Donghu, Datang and Nanzhou stations.

Huangpu Military Academy's Guangdong Alumni Association Not to be Used as a bar
A press conference was held yesterday afternoon (Mar. 2rd) to announce the results of an investigation into the use of the old Huangpu Military Academy as a social venue, in other words, a bar. Our reporter has more:
Li Xianheng, the director of the inspection team, said comparisons with old pictures show that big changes have been done to this old building.

"The restoration and interior decoration have caused quite serious damages to the structure and have greatly changed its original appearance. The user has violated relevant laws concerning the protection of historic relics."

The bar has now closed and was ordered to restore the site to its original state, pending further investigation. As to whether it could remain to a bar, an official commented that,
"We think the restoration is done properly and has protected the site's original state, it can be used as a bar. But the building's safety should be ensured."

Traffic Commission: 200 meters of BRT Bus line normal
The BRT system in Guangzhou is being challenged by the increasing number of passenger, people returning to work after the Lantern Festival. Media have already reported that, during the rush hours, buses entering the stations or waiting at the traffic lights form long and slow lines. However, the Guangzhou traffic commission said that according to the original design, only after buses queue up for over 200 meters will it affect the speed and efficiency of the BRT route. Officials also announced that the BRT is operating smoothly, so far running at an average speed of 23 kilometers per hour and, according to the commission, almost double the speed of common buses. The daily passenger flow has soared from 490,000 on the opening day to 700,000.