The Chinese government is taking productive steps to reduce the runaway congestion and air pollution that are making Beijing unlivable, writes Heshuang Zeng.
With the most painful commute in the world, according to IBM's Commuter Pain Study, and frequent particulate matter levels six times higher than the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization, Beijing seems in no danger from being described as a livable city. However, according to Zeng, the city's government has acknowledged the congestion and air pollution challenges that the city faces, and is taking concrete action to address them.
On air pollution, Zeng reports, "the Beijing municipal government lists curbing fine particle pollution as its top priority for 2012, ahead of housing, health and education...The city vows to slash PM 2.5 pollution by nearly 30 percent by 2020." Beijing is also planning to implement stricter vehicle emission standards this year.
To reduce congestion, the city is renewing driving restrictions tied to license plate numbers and is expanding the practice to government vehicles. Apparently the city is even planning to implement a rush hour congestion charge.
With its population expected to grow by more than 6 million by the end of the decade, much more work will need to be done to ease the pain of living in Beijing.
FULL STORY: China Transportation Briefing: How to Save China’s Capital?
How Cities Are Responding to Automobile Congestion
As economies begin to reopen around the world, some cities are taking action to prevent widespread gridlock.
Study: E-Commerce Decreases Traffic Congestion in China
Examining congestion data from 94 Chinese cities before and after Alibaba's Singles' Day, this study found evidence for a modest drop in traffic following the Cyber Monday-like event.
Exhibition Offers a Taste of Air Pollution
A London art exhibit lets visitors experience a simulation of the polluted air from five cities around the world.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.
Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.
Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions