Fares to ride Beijing’s public transport system have been doubled, starting on Friday. Minimum fares on the metro system will go up from ¥2 to ¥3 (US$0.49) while bus fares will rise from ¥1 to ¥2 (US$0.32). Authorities say the measures have been put in place to ease congestion. The hike represents the first time in seven years that Beijing has raised its transit fares. About 50 per cent of the metro operating costs remain government-financed. Read more: reuters.com