Babaoshan Subway Station. [Photo: CRIEnglish.com/ Yang Yong]

The new automatic fare collection (AFC) system was instated this week, ending 38 years of the paper ticketing system on the Beijing subway.

Wang Liping, a civil servant, is using the magnetic strip ticket for the first time, with help from subway staff.

"The operating system on the ticket machine is easy to read and use. Anyone can get his ticket using the instructions, or with the assistant's help."

However, the system is not flawless. A passenger inserts a one-yuan bank note into the money slot, but the machine spits it back out. With help from a staff member, he finally receives his ticket.

"The machines won't accept one-yuan banknotes or any bills above ten yuan, but they take one-yuan coins, and five-yuan and ten-yuan bills only. Passengers can go to the window to exchange money when necessary."

Zhang Lixin, a subway staff member at Babaoshan station, says the AFC system has been working well for the past two days. To keep the system running smoothly, he says passengers should pay attention to a few minor details with the new tickets.

"Always remember to tap your card on your right side, or you will open the door beside you. If this happens, passengers will be badly jammed, especially during rush hour. Always let your child go first to avoid the closing door, and if your child is moderately taller than the free standard, please through with your child as quickly as possible, for the machine scans each person and then closes the door."

27-year-old Liu Ping is concerned about the narrow channels.

"I am afraid the channels are a bit too narrow to pass through with my big backpack or luggage. Normally, they are okay for Chinese, but they might not be convenient for Westerners, who are usually wider, especially during the Olympics."

Zhang Lixin agrees with such concerns, but says there are also wider channels in use.

"Narrow channels are intended to avoid two adults passing at a time. The number of wide channels depends on the station's scale. Under certain special situations, we can also lead inconvenienced passengers or those with big luggage through the side door."

Beijing subway representatives say disabled people and retirees can go to the service window with identification certificates for free subway passes.

Yang Yong, CRI Web cast.