Beijing A to B

If you’ve ever gotten off at Huoying station on Line 13 as of late — somehow, you wish you hadn’t. Welcome to a world of poor traffic conditions, narrow streets and — just when you least expect it — a works site smack in front of the Subway stop.

Huoying is becoming an interchange with Line 8 by late 2010, but that’s not going to happen without the works site making its presence felt. Add to that traffic anarchy and flying sand (yes, it’s bad for you), and you can see why Huoying needs a makeover.

Traffic, in particular, can be awful. Just going near the square in front of the stop to do a U-turn can make you sit out for 20 minutes as you squeeze back on the road while nobody’s yielding to the other drivers. We sure hope you’re not driving yourself, as passing cars can create mini sandstorms as the wheels roll over the ground. There’s also this mess about no lighting at night — not good to walk home in the dark after a night of KTV at Chaowai.

But just before things can get any worse, those in government seem ready to right this major mass transit wrong. Local government body representatives are already suggesting that the narrow street in front of the station be widened to accommodate four lanes (that’s two in each direction), and the lighting issue has to be solved as well. Just as well before Line 8 call at Huoying — and makes it an even more important station.