Sustainable transportation in Chengdu: The key to green development

Introduction

Transportation is an essential part of our daily life, and sustainable transportation is one of the important directions of urban development at present. The goals of sustainable transport include conserving resources, reducing pollution and promoting equitable use of resources. Sustainable transportation can meet the needs of today while preserving the space for future generations. What I’m most interested in is how to create sustainable transportation by integrating multiple modes of transportation.

Sustainable Transport in Chengdu

At the same time, Chengdu,China, has also accelerated the promotion and application of new energy vehicles and the elimination of old cars. Led the introduction of the public sector new energy vehicle promotion program, coordinated the implementation of new energy vehicle production and sales incentives, parking fee reduction and other work measures, urban logistics distribution vehicles, buses, cruise taxis in the central city basically realized new energy, and was approved as a pilot city in China’s public sector vehicle comprehensive electrification pilot zone.

Image 1.Chengdu New Energy Buses and Subways.https://m.chinabuses.com/news/9/article_104051.html

Image 2.Chengdu has newly opened and optimized more than 20 connecting lines of the greenway around the city. https://m.chinabuses.com/news/9/article_104051.html

Sustainable Transportation Development Strategy

1. Compact urban development and mixed land use planning

High-density residential, commercial and recreational zoning can reduce residents’ dependence on cars. For example, HongKong,China,Shanghai,China,and London all have the “15-minute community” concept allows residents to meet their daily needs on foot. Chengdu has established a “15-minute living circle” to encourage residents to walk or ride bicycles for short distances and create a better green transportation environment.

Image 3.Facilities’ distribution of 15-minute community life circle. Source: Shanghai Urban Planning and Land Resources Administration Bureau, 2016.https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Facilities-distribution-of-15-minute-community-life-circle-Source-Shanghai-Urban_fig2_319193985

2. Integration of multi-modal transportation systems

Success case ,for example,London demonstrate the importance of integrating diverse modes of transport. Chengdu has initially realized the linkage of buses, subways and shared bicycles, but it still needs to optimize connectivity, further reduce the use of private cars, and provide more choices and convenience for residents.

3. Promote cycling and walking

Through policy and infrastructure development, Amsterdam has developed cycling as a major mode of travel. Chengdu can set up special bike lanes and walking areas in the city, and hold cycling cultural activities to enhance residents’ awareness of green travel.

4. Promote electric and hybrid vehicles

By subsidizing electric vehicle purchases, expanding the charging network, and setting up low-emission zones, Chengdu can further promote the use of green transportation.

Thought

Chengdu has made a lot of efforts in terms of sustainable transportation, and as a university student and a member of Chengdu, I feel that the city is moving towards a more environmentally friendly and convenient transportation system. In particular, the popularity of subways and public bicycles has greatly facilitated our travel. The construction speed of the subway is very fast, and the coverage is gradually expanded, which can basically meet my daily travel needs. The sharing system of public bicycles is also very convenient, not only environmentally friendly, but also can avoid the congestion during the rush hour. Overall, Chengdu has made good progress in promoting sustainable transportation, but in order to further improve the sustainability of transportation, the government and citizens need to work together to improve the transportation infrastructure and promote more green travel methods.

Reference

1. Chengdu Daily,(2024).’Chengdu Transportation 2023 Report Card: International Comprehensive Transportation Hub Basically Completed’.https://jtys.chengdu.gov.cn/cdjtys/c148564/2024-02/05/content_44f290aa81fd4201aa09e4f394842e54.shtml(Accessed:7 January 2025).
2. Feng,J. and Xu,KM. (2006).’ A Study on Copenhagen’s Transit-oriented Development‘，Urban Transport of China,4(2),pp.41-46.
3. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT STRATEGY STUDY,(2024).https://www.ttss.gov.hk/sc/traffic-and-transport-strategy-study/about/(Accessed:7 January 2025).
4. Gaglione,F.et al.(2021),’15-minute neighbourhood accessibility: a comparisonbetween Naples and London’,European Transport \Trasporti Europei,5(85),pp.1-16.