Photo courtesy Osamu Abe
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Tianjin (Tienstin)
subway, planned light rail

Three hours from Beijing, Tianjin is known as Beijing's port. Construction of the 8 station, 7.4 km Tianjin metro began in 1970 and was completed in 1984. The current section is all underground. Revenue service on the first section began in 1980. The line runs between 2 and three meters from the street surface, using in part an old canal bed. The line was built, in part, by volunteers.

Construction was delayed in 1976 when an earthquake hit the city.

Line 1 is expected to be expanded to 26 km by 2005, with 14 stations. One station and 1.5 km of the line will be above ground. Construction has already begun. Seven lines in all are planned, with a total of 154 km.

Project plan details
Light Rail Plans