摘要
Beijing's congestion and air pollution is infamous among local residents and visitors.While rising car ownership demonstrates increased material well-being,and is a show-case of the Chinese economic miracle,car driving in the dense urban fabric of Beijing deteriorates the efficiency of transport,local public health and quality of life,and contributes to human-made global warming.The social disbenefits of significantly increased use of cars in Beijing most likely outweigh the benefits of increased driving.Beijing municipal authorities are clearly aware of this challenge,and many policy instruments are being implemented to reduce the burden of car traffic for residents and transport users alike.While partial improvements are visible,current measures have not been sufficient to manage growing transport demand.Absent further initiatives,present trends point to further deterioration in transport system efficiency and quality of life.This paper demonstrates the potential benefits of more effective transport demand management,integrated public transit provision,land use planning and car pricing,which together could help make Beijing a city of harmonious and sustainable transport.
Beijing's congestion and air pollution is infamous among local residents and visitors.While rising car ownership demonstrates increased material well-being,and is a show-case of the Chinese economic miracle,car driving in the dense urban fabric of Beijing deteriorates the efficiency of transport,local public health and quality of life,and contributes to human-made global warming.The social disbenefits of significantly increased use of cars in Beijing most likely outweigh the benefits of increased driving.Beijing municipal authorities are clearly aware of this challenge,and many policy instruments are being implemented to reduce the burden of car traffic for residents and transport users alike.While partial improvements are visible,current measures have not been sufficient to manage growing transport demand.Absent further initiatives,present trends point to further deterioration in transport system efficiency and quality of life.This paper demonstrates the potential benefits of more effective transport demand management,integrated public transit provision,land use planning and car pricing,which together could help make Beijing a city of harmonious and sustainable transport.
