A new customized commuter bus service linking Beijing and the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province officially began operations on Monday, signaling a major step in transportation integration within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

The service, which underwent trial operations for over a year, now includes a new branch line running from Beijing's Liuliqiao subway station through the Lize financial business district to the Zhongguancun Science Park in Xiong'an.

"The official launch allows more commuters to benefit from urban integration while providing stronger transport support for industrial cooperation," said Zhang Jingxing, an official with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

Based on trial data from more than 8,500 passengers, the expanded network is designed to meet rising business travel demands. In Beijing, the route covers nine key transport hubs. In Xiong'an, it connects clusters of relocated enterprises, including the China Satellite Network Group and Sinochem Group, creating a "subway plus express bus" model.

Currently, three customized routes operate between the two locations. The 120-kilometer journey takes up to two hours, with a one-way fare of 50 yuan ($7.2). Six trips were scheduled for the first day of official operation. Morning bookings reached 75 passengers, and average seat occupancy reached 45 percent — about 15 percent higher than expected.

The buses utilize dedicated lanes and pass through Beijing checkpoints without stopping for inspection, significantly improving efficiency.

"Compared with driving, it is more economical; compared with high-speed rail, it is more convenient," said Wang Zhen, general manager of the service operator.

A passenger surnamed Li told a local radio show that the direct service simplifies her commute. "It connects seamlessly with the subway and takes me directly to my workplace without transfers," she said. Riders book tickets via an official WeChat public platform or the mini program, and board using facial recognition or ID cards, eliminating paper tickets.

The customized network now operates 12 main routes and 58 branch lines linking Beijing with cities in Hebei and Tianjin. To date, the service has completed more than 163,000 trips, transporting over 5.3 million passengers.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), a "one — to 1.5-hour transportation circle" between major regional cities of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has largely been achieved. As more corporate headquarters relocate to Xiong'an, demand is expected to grow.

Future plans include adding routes connecting Beijing's Shuangjing station with Xuanwu Hospital and the university district in Xiong'an. "We aim to provide convenient, fast, and affordable cross-city travel," Zhang said.

Pang Jingyi and Zhao Rixi contributed to this story.