Government takes further steps toward green transport network

Government departments have launched an action plan to reduce private car use and encourage people to use public transport, in a bid to build a green transportation network by 2022.

The initiative, launched recently by 12 departments, including the Ministry of Transport, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, aims to build a transportation system that is environmentally friendly, emits less carbon and is more energy-efficient.

The plan requires authorities to implement traffic management measures to reduce the number of private cars on the road when there is heavy traffic congestion.

It also says policies such as discounts on car insurance should be introduced to benefit drivers willing to reduce car use.

And authorities should also speed up construction of parking lots at interchange hubs to encourage private car owners to transfer to public transportation as a way to reduce private car use.

According to the plan, authorities should promote differentiated pricing standards for parking fees according to location and time of day. Expressway toll booths and public parking lots should implement fast, nonstop electronic toll collection systems and mobile payment systems to reduce costs and improve traffic flow.

It also encourages local transport companies to explore diversified public transportation services such as customized buses, night buses and community buses, as well as electronic devices at bus stops and mobile apps to provide the public with real-time information about bus services.

The plan calls for noncash payment methods for public transport, such as mobile payment, to be promoted nationwide and for more subway ticket options, including weekly and daily passes, to be introduced for tourism.

Efforts will be also made to facilitate convenient and timesaving transfers for passengers by integrating fare systems of different transport services including planes, high-speed trains and subways.

Beijing Transport Institute president Guo Jifu said the plan reaffirmed China’s goal of building a safe, convenient, efficient, green and economical modern transport system during the period covered by the 13th Five-Year Plan.

“Many cities are associated with traffic congestion and air pollution,” he said, adding urban transport accounts for a high share of carbon emissions.