The public transport system that ferried visitors during the Olympics has been praised as "the world's biggest green motorcade".
Now, the city is remodeling its buses for the handicapped during the Paralympics.
This electric pedal is specially designed for wheelchair users. At the same time, the bus can bend over like a gentleman who is bowing to welcome passengers. The handrails in the bus have been lowered, while some seats have been removed to make room for wheelchairs. Safety belts have also been installed at a lower height.
Hao Shuanghe, Head of Beijing Public Transport Holdings said, "There's a volunteer on each bus to help the handicapped. The seat has equipment to ensure passengers' safety such as the wheelchair brake and safety belts. And passengers can press this button to call for help."
These buses are all specially designed for the Olympics and Paralympics, so it takes only an hour and a half to remodel a bus. They can switch from one to the other whenever necessary.
He added, "We have a total of 2,835 buses which can be made into barrier-free buses."
It's estimated that around 7,000 handicapped athletes will live in the Paralympic Village. The village will offer 13 bus routes taking athletes to famous scenic spots including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
(CCTV August 30, 2008)
