Jinan is constructing rail transit to relieve traffic congestion and support sustainable development. Three key lines are planned running east to west. However, major challenges include potential environmental damage to springs, high construction costs, and lack of transit professionals. Jinan is addressing these by conducting hydrogeological research, pursuing mixed public-private funding, and partnering with schools on workforce training. Construction of the first line is slated to begin in 2015. Lessons are to plan transit early in a city's development and address financial and talent issues well in advance.

1. Develope Rail Transit to Make
Jinan More Livable -in
Vehicle Administrative Office of Shandong Provincial Public Security
Department
Tian Nailian

2. Objectives of Jinan Rail Transit Construction
 Relieve current traffic pressure to establish comprehensive traffic system based
on public transportation
At present, the transportation problem in Jinan is gradually prominent. In early and late rush hour,
congestion occurs in every urban main road, especially the east-west main roads. At the end of
June, 2014, the vehicle parc in Jinan is up to 1.5 million with increase of 8.5 thousand in half a
year.
 Implement spatial development strategy of exploration in east and improvement
in west
Urban spatial form is transiting from “cluster” to “belt”. With spatial development strategies of
“exploration in east, improvement in west, control in south, cross the north, and sparse in
center”, the central city of Jinan will develop into a belt city with length of 68 km from east to
west in 2020.
 Energy conservation and emission reduction for protecting urban environment
With advantages of low pollution, low energy consumption, and high efficiency, rail transit is an
important measure for urban “low-carbon” development.

3. Major Problems of Rail Transit in Jinan
 Traditional and natural scenery in Jinan may be damaged
Because of numerous springs, Jinan called “city of spring” always has reputation of “Lotuses
sing and willows swing give a tribute to the scene stretching mountains quietly embrace the half-
city lake with a good grace”. The construction of rail transit may possibly cut the spring pulse to
damage the flow of underground water and affect traditional landscape of Jinan.

4. Major Problems of Rail Transit in Jinan
 High operating cost for construction
The cost for the subway is up to RMB 500 million per kilometer which may
dramatically rise when coming across special landscape. Generally speaking, the cost
for one line of subway is at least billions of Yuan, and even tens of billions of Yuan.
Moreover, a large amount of cost for maintenance is need for normal operation.
Because the subway belongs to municipal public utilities, the most capital is directly
from financial subsidies of government. Therefore, this large and persistent amount of
cost for subway construction and maintenance is undoubtedly brings huge pressure to
local government.
 Severe lack of professionals for operation and maintenance of subway

5. Measures for Construction of Jinan Rail Transit
 Research on spring protection
Authority conducted Research on Spring Protection for Planning of Jinan Urban Rail Transit on the doubt and
dispute that if subway construction can affect spring flowing. The conclusion is that in city area, except
Quancheng Road and Luoyuan Avenue that spring concentrates for exposure, the construction of subway in
other main roads will not affect spring flowing. Jinan has listed Quancheng Road and Luoyuan Avenue as
roads prohibiting construction of rail transit to protect ecological environment and inherit urban details when
providing transportation convenience to residents.
 Various ways to solve capital problems
By financing from Jinan Urban Construction Group, Jinan Rail Transit Group, and other platforms, the
government will import social capital when positively fighting for national and provincial financial supports to
relieve its own financial pressure. On the other hand, subway construction will be organically combined with
land development along the line to positively explore suitable development pattern based on scientific and
reasonable planning.
 Reserve talents in advance
Except employing project manager and staff for construction, measuring, etc. from the whole country, the
subject project will sign cultivation agreement with Shandong Vocational College and Jinan Railway
Advanced Technical School to conduct order-type cultivation for technicians of rail transit operation
management, vehicle driving, vehicle maintenance, and electromechanical application.

6. Progress for Jinan Rail Transit Construction
 In 2009, Jinan launched Jinan rail transit network planning, carefully investigated
hydrogeological condition in Jinan urban area, and made detailed study on spring
protection.
 In 2012, Jinan Rail Transit Network Planning is approved and demonstrated by
experts.
 In 2013, two times of EIA publicity were conducted to Line R1, R2, and R3 of rail
transit.
 In 2014, Ministry of Environmental Protection issued review opinions for planning
EIA report, and the EIA for rail transit planning of Jinan was approved officially.
 It is estimated that national reply can be obtained at the end of this year. The
construction of first subway line will start in 2015 and complete in 2020.

8. Enlightenment for Jinan Rail Transit Construction
 Rail transit with large volume must be planned and constructed in belt-type
city limited and developed by large population and landscape.
 In general, the planning and construction of rail transit may take about 20
years from proposal to completion. Therefore, strategic view is required in
planning and making study on key problems restricting the construction in
advance.
 Financing, talents cultivation and other relevant works must be done in
advance.