The Guangzhou traffic police released their 2017 New Year traffic control plan today, a strategy intended to manage the crowds expected to materialize on December 31. According to the document, authorities are anticipating large crowds at Huacheng Plaza, Canton Tower, Hero Square and other major venues to countdown the New Year.
Police will implement the traffic control measures in the Zhujiang New Town area to “ensure the general public’s safety of life and property.”
A number of parking areas will also be closed for vehicles, including the lots at Haixinsha Island, Huacheng Plaza and Canton Tower – all of which will shut their entrances at 9pm and exits at 10pm.
To help combat the inevitable crowds and backups, the Guangzhou Metro Corporation announced yesterday that from December 31 to January 2 the “entire subway network” will extend its operations by one hour, increase the number of trains operating and beef up security.
Unfortunately for New Year’s revelers, the entire subway system will not be open late, with Haixinsha station on the APM Line closing at 6pm on December 31 and the rest of the APM Line shutting down at 9pm, according to Tencent News.
Worse yet for those partying in Zhujiang, the Zhujiang New Town and Canton Tower stations will become non-stop from 9pm on New Year’s Eve – meaning they will not pick up or drop off passengers at either of these stations.
Authorities have also stated they may decide to make other stations, including Wuyangcun, Tiyu Xilu, Liede and Kecun, nonstop stations if crowds are deemed too large.
According to the Guangzhou Metro, metro passenger flow is expected to reach a staggering 9.92 million on December 31 – making it the peak day of holiday traffic.
The advice here is: don’t wander too far from home if you can avoid it, a venture across town will likely mean a hefty taxi fare. Otherwise there has never been a better time to sign up for Mobike.
Still not deterred to get out and celebrate the end of 2016? See our Mega Guangzhou 2017 New Year's Guide for the city’s best events.
[Image via Global Times]
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