Transportation development and congestion mitigation measures of Beijing, China

Fueled by unprecedented economic growth, Beijing, China, has been undergoing rapid urbanization and motorization over the last 30 years. Like other big cities, Beijing has struggled with traffic congestion problems for a long time. The first part of this paper introduces urban development patterns of Beijing. It then carefully reviews Beijing's historical and recent congestion mitigation measures, highlighting the unique characteristics of each of the city's development stage. However, as historic records show, mere infrastructure expansion does not ease congestion. Scientific and comprehensive travel demand management (TDM) measures are required. Although many achievements have been made in the course of implementing comprehensive measures, several problems have affected the whole development situation of urban public transportation in Beijing, such as uncoordinated transportation and urban development, low-quality public transportation services, weak TDM measures, and shrinking green travel. Finally, recently issued guidance policies are introduced for future transportation management in fields like public transportation development, private vehicle control, and non-motorized transportation promotion. This paper concludes with Beijing's experience in developing transportation systems and offers advice to draft the city's future development strategy, which also inspires other mega cities that are undergoing rapid urbanization as well.