PEOPLE ON PUBLIC BUS PASS CLOTHING ADVERTISEMENT IN BEIJING, 1999-10-14 (photo)

Passangers riding a public bus pass an advertisement for a clothing brand in eastern Beijing October 14. The Beijing bus service is one of the cheapest in the world, a monthly ticket costing only 15 yuan (about $2.00) for unlimited travel. Earlier this year, the bus company said it was seeking a stock market listing in China, with approval being given by the Beijing government and expected from the China Securities Regulatory Commission. What is likely to be listed, however, is not the Beijing Public Transport Company, but the Beijing Bus Stock Company which includes a fleet of superior quality buses, many donated by Hong Kong firms. NB/DL