Line S2, BCR | |
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S2 | |
Overview | |
Type | Commuter rail |
System | BCR |
Status | Operational |
Termini |
Beijing North Yanqing (Nancaiyuan) or Shacheng |
Stations | 9 |
Operation | |
Opened | 6 August 2008 |
Owner | China Railways |
Operator(s) | Beijing Suburban Railway |
Rolling stock | NDJ3 |
Technical | |
Line length | 77.07 km |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
Operating speed | 160 km/h |
Line S2 (simplified Chinese: S2线; traditional Chinese: S2線; pinyin: S Èr Xiàn) is the first line of Beijing Suburban Railway (BCR) to begin operation. The train locomotives are marked "Harmony; Great Wall Type" (Chinese: 和谐 长城号; pinyin: Héxié Chángchéng Háo). Opened on August 6, 2008, it runs from the Beijing North Railway Station in Xicheng District to Badaling in Yanqing District, following the old Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, and provides faster, more frequent and convenient service than preexisting trains. The line is currently 82 kilometres (51 mi) in length with six stations and one branch line.
Trains can reach a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph). A trip from the north station to the Badaling Great Wall takes about 1 hour and 22 minutes. Seven other stations including Dongyuan (东园) are being renovated for this line. There are regular departures throughout the day from Beijing North, with an average of one train per hour during operating hours. A one-way ticket costs ¥6. Tickets can be purchased from ticket offices of stations along route on the day of travel only. The Beijing Transit card is accepted on this route. Train identification numbers are prefixed with the letter 'S'. The line primarily serves tourists traveling to the Great Wall of China at Badaling.
The S2 line uses the NDJ3 DMU train marked Hexie Changcheng Hao in a seven-car push-pull configuration (L+7T+L). Accommodation comes in 'soft-seat' class only with a 2+2 (first class) or 3+2 (second class) layout. The seats were reversible, but that feature has been removed. Between Nankou and Badaling stations, the train makes a reversal at a switch-back junction. Although all stations are equipped with high-level platforms, trains are equipped with retractable steps and can also serve low-level platforms. On-board facilities include air-conditioning and heating, toilets, hot-water dispensers and a cafe-bar selling tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer and snacks. Smoking is not permitted on the train.