The Development of Green Sustainable Transportation in China

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter introduces the basic strategy and practice for developing a sustainable transportation system in China, and puts forward problems and directions of improvement.

Methodology – To begin with, the chapter elaborates on the development background of the Chinese urban transportation system and on the challenges in terms of urbanization, mechanization, and resource constraints. The chapter then systematically summarizes the implementation strategy for developing a green transportation system in China, including the government's leading role, public transportation system resource integration, the combination of nonmotor traffic and public traffic, and traffic demand management policy. It illustrates these with specific examples of practical activities conducted.

Findings – Finally, in response to typical problems challenging China, this chapter puts forward directions of improvement for aspects of land utilization, planning, intelligent transportation, traffic demand management, and public participation.

Implications for China – During the critical period featuring rapid growth of private motor vehicle population and transformation of urban traffic development policy, this chapter contributes to building a consensus among the Chinese government and the civil society and to promoting the implementation and sound development of sustainable transportation system by adopting comprehensive measures.

Citation

ZHAO, J. (2012), "The Development of Green Sustainable Transportation in China", Mackett, R.L., May, A.D., Kii, M. and Pan, H. (Ed.) Sustainable Transport for Chinese Cities (Transport and Sustainability, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9941(2012)0000003007