Beijing's subways will stay open longer on Saturday to help transport the large crowds expected for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, which starts at 8 pm at the Bird's Nest.

Line 8 (the Olympic line) will operate from 10:40 pm to 1 am and all other lines (except the airport express) will also extend their hours, a notice on the Beijing Paralympics transport information website said.

Authorities have also laid on 28 special bus routes for the Games and 22 regular bus routes will provide free transport to the Bird's Nest for anyone with a valid ticket for the ceremony.

The special buses, which have blue plates on their windshields, will begin running at 3:30 pm and passengers can embark either at the terminus or any of the 40 stops along the way.

Both the subway and bus operating companies are taking telephone reservations from people with physical disabilities and will provide assistance as required.

Also, about 600 easy-access buses will be in operation throughout Beijing for the duration of the Games.

Zhou Zhengyu, deputy director and spokesperson for the Beijing municipal committee of communications, said: "In the subway, wheelchair users can get to the platforms via the elevators, lifting platforms and stair-climbing vehicles.

"These all worked very well during the opening ceremony rehearsal held Thursday night, and 22 people in wheelchairs managed to travel to the Bird's Nest via the Olympic line," he said.

About 337 metro gateways have been built with paths and Braille signs designed for visually impaired people, he said.

Wheelchair users may also book barrier-free taxis to go to the National Stadium by calling 961001.

Seventy such taxis will be available during the Games, and they will be retained once the event is over, Zhou said.