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PlusChina Bans Cars to Reduce Pollution Before OympiChina Bans Cars to Reduce Pollution Before OympiThe Associated PressBeijing started its drastic traffic control plan on Sunday in a last-minute push to clear the capital's pollution-choked skies in time for the August Olympics. (July 20)With the start of the summer olympics in Beijing less than three weeks away, Chinese officials began an aggressive new effort to reduce pollution that has choked the capital city. Cars can now only be driven on alternate days. The move is expected to take more than one-and-a-half million cars off the streets every day.Drivers are being encouraged to use mass transit. On Saturday, two new subway lines and an airport rail link opened--a month behind schedule.(nats in mandarin)This commuter likes the new plan, but says the city still needs more subways and more trains on those subways.(nats in mandarin)Another man said taking the train to the airport makes the trip a lot more convenient.The train takes people from downtown Beijing to the city's new airport in 20 minutes.(SOT: OLA TUNAMDER, FOREIGN COMMUTER) "IT'S MUCH FASTER THAN THE TAXI, SO IT'S VERY GOOD. AND IT'S ALSO A LITTLE BIT COOL ACTUALLY." The government has also ordered chemical plants, power stations and foundries to cut emissions by 30-percent. China has spent 40-billion dollars making improvements for the Olympics, but making the air breathable for athletes has been the greatest challenge. ___ ___, The Associated Press. Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: china car_ban bans cars reduce pollution before oympi Added: July 20, 2008