The Torch High-tech Park station of Xiamen's Metro Line 3, from which passengers can transfer to Line 1 [Photo/Xiamen Rail Transit Group Co]

Xiamen in East China's Fujian province will officially launch its Metro Line 3 on June 25, more than three years since Line 1 was launched in Dec 2017.

With three lines currently operating, Xiamen plans to use its subway network to upgrade the city's transportation system. 

Line 3 will create more intersecting routes and transfer sites to connect more places, alleviate traffic jams, and reduce carbon emissions. 

Line 3 extends to Siming, Huli and Xiang'an districts and is an integral part of Xiamen's major transportation network, carrying large numbers of passengers among islands in a more efficient and convenient way and connecting with other forms of transport. 

The city's subway operating hours will be extended soon after the official launch of Line 3, and the Xiamen transportation bureau has formulated a plan to boast the new line's connections with buses. 

"We will ensure that every metro stop connects with at least one bus route," said Lin Xiayun, an official from the bureau. "And the bus stop will be located less than 100 meters away from the metro station," Lin added. The bureau also plans to reschedule bus and subway timetables, allowing 5 to 10 minutes for passengers to transfer. 

The "P + M" (Parking + Metro) transport model, which allows people to drive their private cars to a parking lot at the subway station, and then use tubes to go to the downtown area, has been increasingly popular since it was first permitted back in February of this year.

There are currently a total of 10 such parking lots, providing 2,091 parking spaces to the public. According to Dai Xiaoyu, who is in charge of the city's "P + M" transport model, there will be an additional 10 parking lots offering an extra 2,599 parking spaces to passengers in need.

The parking lot will charge 2 yuan ($ 0.3) per hour for the service, with the daily maximum charge being 8 yuan.