On Saturday, December 27, three cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Jinan—simultaneously launched new metro lines. The lines opening today include Beijing Metro Line 18, Line 17, and the South Extension of Line 6; Phase 2 of Shanghai Metro Line 18; as well as Jinan Metro Line 4, the East Section of Line 6, and Line 8.
Beijing Metro
Approximately 30 kilometers of new operational mileage have been added. The total operational length of the Beijing network has now reached approximately 887.5 kilometers, with 513 stations (excluding data from the Xijiao Line and Yizhuang T1 Tram Line).
The newly opened Line 18 is part of the Line 13 capacity expansion project. It serves as a major transportation artery for the northern region, connecting areas such as Houchangcun, Xi'erqi, Huilongguan, and Tiantongyuan. In the future, Line 13 and Line 18 will form two "L-shaped" intersecting lines, allowing transfers at the newly built Longzexi Station.
The Middle Section of Line 17 (Shilihe – Workers' Stadium) is 8.2 kilometers long and has 4 stations (Guangqumenwai Station is temporarily deferred). With this opening, the entire Line 17 is now connected, facilitating rapid cross-city travel from north to south.
The South Extension of Line 6 opens one station and one section at Luyang Station, with an operational length of 2.0 kilometers. The first train at Luyang Station departs at 5:29, and the last train departs at 23:25.
Shanghai Metro
Shanghai Metro Line 18 Phase 2 begins initial operations today. The Phase 2 project extends from Changjiang South Road Station in the east to Kangwen Road Station in the west, covering approximately 8.5 kilometers with 5 stations: Tongnan Road, West Changjiang Road, Aihui Road, Hulan Road (Transfer to Line 1), and Kangwen Road. Jiangyang South Road Station is temporarily deferred due to regional development. The total operational mileage of the Shanghai network has now reached 906 kilometers with 523 stations (including 3 stations and 5 kilometers of Line 11 within Kunshan).
During weekday morning and evening peak hours, Line 18 will operate with a "Long and Short Loop" service pattern.
- Morning Peak: Long Loop is "Hangtou – Kangwen Road"; Short Loops are "Shenmei Road – Changjiang South Road" and "Shenmei Road – Kangwen Road".
- Evening Peak: Long Loop is "Hangtou – Kangwen Road"; Short Loops are "Shenmei Road – Kangwen Road" and "Hangtou – Changjiang South Road".
- Off-Peak & Holidays: A single service pattern "Hangtou – Kangwen Road" applies to the entire line.
Jinan Metro
Jinan Metro's operational mileage has doubled, reaching approximately 182.4 kilometers across 6 lines and 112 stations. Additionally, Jinan SkyShuttle Line 1 and the Jiyang Tram Line will open this month.
Line 4 is an east-west backbone line connecting key areas such as the West Railway Station, CBD, Olympic Sports Center, and Tangye. The line is 40.3 kilometers long with 33 stations, utilizing 6-car Type A trains.
Line 8 extends from Xingcun Overpass East Station (the eastern terminus of Line 4), connecting the main city with Zhangqiu District, passing through the Free Trade Zone, Qilu Science and Technology Corridor, and Zhangqiu University Town. The line is 25.3 kilometers long with 14 stations. It uses the same system as Line 4 and allows for through-operation (Through-operation mode from 6:00 to 20:00; Independent operation mode from 20:00 until end of service).
Line 6 is also an east-west backbone line, linking three major railway hubs: Jinan West, Jinan, and Jinan East Railway Stations. The newly opened East Section (Shandong University Station to Liangwang Station) is 19.5 kilometers long with 17 stations, utilizing 6-car Type A trains.
Operating Hours:
- Line 4 and Line 6 East Section: 6:00 - 22:30
- Line 8: 6:00 - 22:05
Headways:
- Line 4 & Line 8: Peak hours 4 min 30 sec (shared section), 9 min (branch section); Off-peak 6 min (shared section), 12 min (branch section).
- Line 6 East Section: Weekday Peak 5 min 30 sec, Off-peak min 7 min 30 sec, Low-peak approx. 10 min. Weekends follow weekday off-peak/low-peak schedules.
The Jiyang Line is Jinan's first urban rail project crossing the Yellow River and its first modern tram project, connecting downtown Jinan with Jiyang District. It spans approximately 36.1 kilometers with 16 stations (including reserved stations). It is scheduled to open on Tuesday, December 30, allowing transfers to Metro Line 3 and Line 6 at Jinandong Railway Station.
Furthermore, Jinan Metro and Jinan SkyShuttle (opened on December 6) will implement integrated fare pricing. The transfer system will automatically combine the mileage of both segments, calculating the fare based on the total distance to avoid double base fares, providing a more affordable transfer experience.
