China Subway Binge: Too Much Too Fast?

If plans by Chinese officials are followed, 38 cities across the country will have subway lines by the end of the decade. The Economist asks if that might be 20 too many, as shiny subways steer investment from other forms of transit.

1 minute read

April 28, 2013, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"As with many infrastructure projects in China, including the high-speed rail network above ground, questions abound about the wisdom and potential wastefulness of such ambitions. Many of the underground systems are needed, but some are being built in cities that are too small to justify the exorbitant expense. By some estimates the total bill could approach $1 trillion, not including the cost of operation."

"Zhao Jian of Beijing Jiaotong University reckons that metros in fewer than 20 of the 38 designated cities make sense. He says that perhaps ten of those could be replaced with cheaper light rail, which runs above ground."

Read the full story: Going underground

Friday, April 26, 2013 in The Economist

Transportation China Subways

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