Transportation: Illegal Practices and Electric Rumors

Beijing is cracking down on illegal drivers and train ticket scalpers, and possibly offering ways to bypass the despised license lottery.

Reported in Xinhua (Chinese), starting today, Beijing will begin detaining any cars without proper plates.

On Sunday, May 22, ID will be required for purchasing train tickets, a measure brought in to stop the persistent problem of scalping at train stations. Children will be exempt from this, and based on rumors this could be the first day to buy a ticket for the high-speed Beijing-Shanghai train, which may begin service as soon as June 1.

Last weekend, the 17th Beijing Science and Technology Week took place out at the Olympic Green, which included an electric car display. According to a spokesman for a Chinese automaker, electric cars may be exempt from the Beijing license lottery. Given the source, and no word from officials, this seems more like wishful thinking and a shameless sales ploy.

Image: China Daily