On a related topic from an earlier post...

All reports suggest Beijing's 1st mandatory restricted driving day came off without a hitch yesterday. The new rule takes drivers with plate numbers ending in certain pre-determined digits off the road one day each week.

Public bus use increased 3.8% and subway use increased by 6.4% over last week Monday. No major traffic congestion was reported. The fine for a violation is about US$15, although police will only issue oral warnings during this first week of the program.