Suzhou puts into operation Metro Line 8

The Suzhou Metro Line 8 was put into operation on Tuesday, ushering in the loop era of Suzhou's urban rail transit. 

At 10am on Tuesday, local residents and construction workers boarded the first train of the metro line 8 to experience the convenience brought by the rapidly developing urban rail transit system.

The 35.6-kilometer Suzhou Metro Line 8 starts from Xijinqiao Station in the west and ends at Chefang Station in the east. Designed with 28 underground stations and 12 transfer stations, it connects Suzhou High-tech Zone, Gusu District, Xiangcheng District, and Suzhou Industrial Park.

The entire line of stations showcases Suzhou’s regional cultural characteristics, with one theme designed for one station, showcasing the unique charm of the interweaving of classical and modern culture in Suzhou.

From September 9th to September 12th, Suzhou offers a free three-day ride on Line 8.

Yu Jue, Vice President of Suzhou Branch of Guangzhou Metro Design Institute, was quoted that Yangchenghu Middle Road Station is a transfer station between Line 8 and Line 2. As the transfer passage is long, they have set up six automatic pedestrian walkways in three sets to improve transfer efficiency.

Zhuang Qunhu, Deputy General Manager of Suzhou Rail Transit Construction Co., Ltd., shared that Suzhou Metro Line 8 and Line 3 achieve same platform transfer at Xijinqiao Station and Tangzhuang Station. The completion and opening of Line 8 demonstrate Suzhou's new practice of green, low-carbon, and ecological environmental protection, injecting new vitality into urban development.

Suzhou currently operates eight rail transit lines with a total operating mileage of 322.6 kilometers, further improving its modern comprehensive three-dimensional transportation system, which is of great significance for Suzhou to play its role as a central city in the Yangtze River Delta and build a national comprehensive transportation hub city.