Shenzhen Metro is expected to test-run two subway trains Aug. 1, the Shenzhen Evening News said Sunday.

Among the 20 Phase 1 Metro subway stations, 18 had been basically completed, the paper said. This indicated Phase I was proceeding on time for the scheduled launch at the end of the year.

The Shenzhen Metro inauguration trip would start from Luohu station, the paper said. The building contractor for the station was scheduled to complete the Luohu project Aug. 28. The Metro Company would then conduct trials of the facilities.

On Saturday, reporters visited Zhuzilin station, where they were impressed by the modern facilities and sleek floor. Automatic ticket selling and check-in machines have also been installed.

Luohu station will be the most sophisticated Metro station with three floors. Passengers will be able to switch to different transport modes at the third floor. Above the third floor, there will be a pedestrian square and a green belt.

Passages will be built to connect Luohu station with Luohu Checkpoint, Shenzhen Railway Station and the Luohu Commercial City mall.

In June, Shenzhen held a public hearing on fares for Phase I of Shenzhen Metro. The majority of representatives at the hearing favored a section-charging proposal by the Metro Company but demanded a starting fare of two yuan (US$0.24) with the whole journey on Line 1 (from Luohu to Window of the World) to cost no more than five yuan.

(Shenzhen Daily July 26, 2004)