New subway carriages will be put into formal operation on Beijing's number 1 and 2 lines next week, the Beijing Evening News reported on Sunday.[Photo: bjd.com.cn]

New subway carriages will be put into formal operation on Beijing's number 1 and 2 lines next week, the Beijing Evening News reported on Sunday.

They feature a capacity of 1,820 people per train -- 400 more than the current ones. Each new compartment measures 19 metres by 2.8 metres.

The stainless steel subway trains, which will be in service from Tuesday, are equipped with the latest air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors will also be on board screening live news broadcasts, other information and advertisements. Passengers will be able to keep abreast of the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games which commence in August.

Special materials have been used to make the carriages quieter than their older counterparts.

"The new subway liner on the No.2 ring line is being tested and cleaned," a source with the Beijing Subway company was quoted as saying.

"It is scheduled to load passengers one afternoon before next Friday."

Beijing's fourth subway line, known as Line 5, began operations in October.

New subway carriages will be put into formal operation on Beijing's number 1 and 2 lines next week, the Beijing Evening News reported on Sunday.[Photo: bjd.com.cn]