The long wait is finally over. As Shentong Metro Group (the operator of Shanghai Metro) announced today, both South Extension of Metro Line 5 and Phase 2 and 3 of Metro Line 13, the two most anticipated metro developments of the year, will commence operation this Sunday, December 30.
After the two lines open to the public, Shanghai's ever-lengthening Metro network will extend from 673 kilometers to 705 kilometers, containing 415 stations in total.
The South Extension of Line 5 will be the first metro service to connect Fengxian District with the downtown area. To accommodate the extra passenger flow, Line 5 has upgraded its carriages and donned a new look.
Images via Metrofans/Weibo
The extension starts from Dongchuan Road and ends at Fengxian Xincheng. From December 30, Line 5 will adopt a new schedule in accordance with the newly-added stations. The operation will begin at 5.42am and end at 11.14pm. The interval time between each train will be four to eight minutes.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via shmetro/WeChat
Phase 2 and 3 of Line 13 will also debut this Sunday. Putting convenience as top priority, the 12 brand-new stations are equipped with robot guides and multi-functional toilets for a smoother travel experience.
Images via NetEase
Line 13 operation hours will still remain the same. The first train will leave Zhangjiang Lu Station at 5.30am and the last train will arrive at 11.45pm, with interval time ranging from three to six minutes.
Image via Wikipedia
Apart from the newly-opened Metro lines, this weekend will see other changes to the Metro operations. For instance, Metro Lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will temporarily extend operation hours on December 28, 29 and 31. Other adjustments to metro services during New Year's holiday are listed here.
[Cover image via Wikipedia]
