Bus Rapid Transit in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

Asia is attempting to change the focus of transport policy in the 21st century. While most developed countries have successfully restricted the use of cars through fiscal or physical measures, similar approaches are only beginning to take root in Asia. The People’s Republic of China, like much of Asia, embraced the automobile. But, with much higher population density in cities, it has done so at a higher social cost than in the West. The country is now facing transport-related constraints to future development including: transit system capacity that does not meet demand; outdated parking policies; lack of attention to bicycles and pedestrians; and generally poor urban design. Prioritizing urban public transport is recognized as one solution, of which BRT systems are an option.