TWO new Metro lines — Line 12 and the spur line of Line 6 — are scheduled to open next week, according to an announcement from Shenzhen Metro Group, the operator.

The construction of the two lines and the preparation for operation were officially completed, and the transfer of operation rights was handed to the operator at a ceremony.

The two lines, after a four-year construction, passed checks and acceptance recently, meeting the requirements for trial operation, according to the operator.

The 40.54-kilometer fully automated Metro Line 12 will travel between Zuopaotai East Station in Nanshan and Waterlands Resort East Station in Bao’an, passing Nanshan and Bao’an CBDs, as well as Fuyong, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center areas. The line has 33 stations, including 20 transfer stations with existing lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 and 20, as well as future lines under planning or construction. It is expected to relieve the traffic congestion in Songgang and Shajing areas.

The spur line of Line 6, a fully automated line designed to run at 120 kilometers per hour, has four stations including Guangming, Zhenmei, Sun Yat-sen University and SIAT stations. It offers exchanges with Line 6 at Guangming Station and will connect with Line 1 in Dongguan.

The operation of the two lines will bring the length of city’s Metro operation network to exceed the 500-kilometer benchmark, according to the operator.

In another development, the second phase of Line 8 has been all connected because the boring work for the left line of its section between Dameisha and Xiaomeisha stations finished recently. Supporting facilities are now being built, sources from the city’s transport bureau said.

The second phase of Line 8, spanning 8 kilometers, will cover four stations, namely Beishandao, Yantian Food Street, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha stations, and will connect the line’s Phase I at Yantian Road Station. Citizens will be able to ride on Metro to explore seashores after the line is put into operation.