President Hu rides Beijing metro system for Olympics metro, President, Beijing, Olympics, rides

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BEIJING  -- Chinese President Hu Jintao rode the Beijing metro system Wednesday to test the capital's transport preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Wearing a white sleeved shirt, he stepped onto a China Railways High-speed (CRH) train that shuttles between the Beijing South Railway Station and the neighbouring Tianjin Municipality.
"The high-speed trains have been a milestone in the history of China's railway development," he told rail officials and stewards while on board. He stressed the need to provide safe and fast service during the August Games.
The inter-city shuttle will transport Olympic spectators, athletes and other passengers during the Games. Some football preliminary matches will be held in Tianjin.
When arriving back to the Dongzhimen metro terminal in the capital's downtown, Hu purchased a ticket from an automat machine and test rode the new line to the Beijing Capital International Airport.
"Beijing's metro system has developed quickly by extending its length and coverage. The system has made a great contribution to easing the traffic pressure.
"The metro's administrators should provide safe, comfortable and fast transportation for both the Olympic personnel and ordinary citizens during the Games, since visitors from home and abroad will increase a lot."