A Brief Comparison on Traffic System Between London and Shanghai Allen Liu, Shanghai Feb. 16 th 2012

Highlights Differences in road networks Public transportation differences Policies on managing traffic demand Others interesting

Differences in road networks the narrower roads in UK cities with higher density. the wider roads with lower density in Shanghai. citiesProportion of major road s Density of road networks London12.04%8 (km/km2) Shanghai20.90%6.7(km/km2)

Merits of the road networks in London Easier management of traffic flows; Reduction of the signal phase in the road junctions to minimize the travellers’ delay and potential risks of traffic accidents; Better accessibilities for travellers to their destinations; Passengers are able to cross narrow road more conveniently and safely.

Public transportation differences Essential factors of public transportation between London and Shanghai

Something can be seen ※ More than 95 % Londoners live within 400 metres of one of bus stops and tube stations. Whereas, only 90% of citizens are within 500 metres of public transit stops in downtown Shanghai.

Something can be seen ※ The fares for public transit in London increase quickly and sometimes out of service because of private ownership. ※ Off-peak policies are used widely. ※ Buses in Shanghai are less reliable because they always delay during peak time.

Policies on managing traffic demand Traffic Demand Management(TDM) Roles of congestion charges Achievements in London and Shanghai Further improvements

Importance of TDM Switching from private to public transport Encouraging the redistribution of the demand in space and time to balance the demand and the supply No financial or economical feasibilities to provide continuous additional capacity for the service

Roles of congestion charges One of the most effective and efficient method on managing traffic demand. To reduce vehicles and change distribution of the demand to improve the shortage of traffic supply by increasing travellers’ prices during peak time and at the places where congestion appears.

Congestion Charging Zone in London Implemented since 2003, even expanded in 2007

Achievements in London 20% reduction in traffic volumes (about 20,000 vehicles per day). 15% Reduction in CO 2 emission. Traffic accidents declined times per year. Additional money from charging.

Further Improvement?. ※ Rational scheme should charge vehicles based on the number of their travelling ※ Some important congested corridors should be included within the scheme. Bedford Road congested for an average of 92 hours a week or more than 13 hours a day

Actions in Shanghai The auction of car plate has been held monthly in order to control the amount of cars since 1994.Total income in 2010: Total Income (million RMB) Subsides for transit ticket prices Free tickets during off- peak for elder people Investment for subway

Actions in Shanghai The policy of Off-peak free tickets for elders need to be expanded..

Actions in Shanghai Increasing parking fees in city centre, especially for road parking

Others interesting UK’s comprehensive ranges of principle and actual actions “put people foremost” should be adopted to Shanghai. UK reliance on roundabouts for managing junctions, but the green wave policy may be more useful on the major road.