ROLES OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN CHINA

Urban transportation in China has a great deal of unpredictability because of rapid demographic and economic growth, enormous increase in travel demand and the deficient capacity of existing systems. The author discusses the problems and suggests some possible solutions to the need for large scale action. Information is needed to be collected and analysed to estimate future changes in demand, supply, travel behaviour and urban structure. A means of rationing the supply of extra capacity will be required because the demand cannot be met in the short term. High yield solutions are needed to solve congestion problems in addition to conventional solutions. The role of urban economic development is reviewed and details are given of the evolution of urban planning in China. Strategic urban planning in the developing world is discussed and a proposed strategic plan for China is outlined. For the covering abstract see IRRD 879918.