Beijing's metro system will run 44 hours non-stop on August 8 and 9 to deal with soaring passenger flow when the Olympic Games kick off, Beijing Times reported.

The operation will start on August 8 morning, lasting through the night of the next day. Seven lines are included, with the Airport express line excluded, an operation schedule released Tuesday by the city's subway operator shows.

More than 80,000 people will watch the opening ceremony at the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, on August 8 and the total number of passengers taking subways at nearby stations is expected to exceed 100,000.

People have been advised to use public transportation, mainly the metro lines, to reach the venue to save time and reduce traffic congestion.

Spectators can arrive there by either taking the Olympic Line at the Beitucheng station of the Line 10 or a ride of the Olympic Bus route from the Datun East station on Line 5, the report said.

(China Daily July 31, 2008)