[Developer]

Olympic fans can stay out late on August 8

(BEIJING, August 4) -- Commuters need not worry; Beijing is prepared with specific traffic plans for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
This was confirmed by Zhou Zhengyu, deputy head of the Beijing Municipal Committee of Communications at a press conference held at the International Broadcast Center (IBC) on Monday.
On the day of the opening ceremony, August 8, an estimated 160,000 people will be milling around the Olympic area. Of this number, 70,000 are VIPs, athletes, and performers, who will be transported via specifically designated vehicles to the Olympic central zone. The other 90,000 guests (ticket holders, workers and volunteers) will rely on the 28 direct bus routes specifically allotted for the purpose. In addition, Beijing's subway lines will be open for longer hours to accommodate Olympic guests; on August 8, the subway system will be open all day and all night.
To ease pedestrian traffic, on August 8, workers and volunteers are asked to enter the Olympic central zone in the morning, as the National Stadium officially opens its doors at 4 p.m.
After the program, crowds will be allowed to exit the stadium according to their seating arrangements; the three floors of the Bird's Nest will be emptied out one by one. Undoubtedly, throngs of people will be outside the stadium, watching the fireworks display. Crowd control measures will be in place for these Olympic enthusiasts, too, said Zhou.

[osama salah]