Subway companies that do not have emergency response plans will be fined up to 100,000 yuan (about US$12,949), according to a draft regulation.

The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council Wednesday publicized a draft regulation on urban public transportation seeking public input.

With eight articles and 62 provisions, the draft regulation includes these new provisions on subway management.

The draft regulation requires subway companies to establish emergency plans, be equipped with a fire extinguishing system, flood-control system, warning system, and safety surveillance screens.

The draft regulation said when a natural disaster or other accident occurs, the subway company should evacuate passengers, rescue injured, remove obstacles, and restore normal operation strictly according to its emergency response plan.

Violators will be fined 30,000 yuan (US$3,884) to 100,000 yuan (about US$12,949).

Over recent years, subway accidents, such as fires and suicide attempts, have made the public more worried about subway safety.

On August 26, 2005, one carriage of a Beijing subway train caught fire on the loop line during rush hour. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the accident.

China issued a state-level subway accident response plan in 2006. It said when an accident, such as fire, earthquake, explosion, or blackout occurs, subway companies should report the incident to police within one hour.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2007)