The FINANCIAL — New York, NY, USA, 11 June 2018 – Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and Hong Kong are rapidly improving their city mobility systems, positioning themselves to be among the ranks of the world’s mobility leaders in the years to come.
This is according to the second phase of the Deloitte City Mobility Index – 2018. The Index goes beyond present-day transportation issues and looks to the future by offering a comprehensive review of key aspects of mobility in cities around the world. Following the first phase of the Index, this phase evaluates 29 additional cities, rating how well they use technological developments and disruptive elements to provide new solutions to age-old problems, according to Deloitte.
The Index sets out to create a new and better way for city officials, transport operators and public planners to gauge the readiness of their transport networks to embrace the rapid changes occurring in the transportation ecosystem, known as the Future of Mobility. Cities that move their citizens efficiently, inclusively, sustainably and in an integrated way, will likely be the most successful in terms of productivity, livability and flexibility.
China’s major cities in the context of global mobility
The revised Index now includes analysis of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Beijing, noting their strengths and challenges. As a whole, cities in China are at different stages of improving city mobility, each with its own unique set of challenges and investments hindering and/or driving growth.
According to Deloitte, Tokyo, Seoul, London and Singapore all received high marks in the Index given their innovative solutions and ability to create a more efficient, multi-modal transport system. While there are lessons to be learned from these cities, cities in China, such as Shenzhen are also leading the way. With its consistent focus and investments in the electrification of transport modes, Shenzhen has marked its presence on the global map by switching on the world’s largest electric bus fleet. The city also has very strong car and bike sharing systems, which helps make the transportation system sustainable and provides first- and last-mile solutions. The transportation authority of Shenzhen is currently focusing on tackling the high congestion levels in the city by using technologies and effective parking management. If Shenzhen is able to keep its transit system growing at the same pace as its economy, it may potentially become one of the leading global cities for public transportation.
Additional key findings include:
While Hong Kong has one of the most reliable, efficient, and accessible transportation networks of the examined cities in China, it has been lagging in its testing and adoption of new technologies. Without the advent of ridesharing and autonomous vehicle testing as well as an environment that fosters innovation, the city could risk its position as a global model for public transportation.
According to Deloitte, recognized worldwide for its metro system, Shanghai continues to lead the way as it continually invests in building a more innovative transport system. The city has substantial expansion plans in place for its transportation infrastructure and is doubling down on sustainability through its robust underground pedestrian network.
Despite facing some immediate, pervasive challenges including pollution, congestion, and the need for operational improvements in public transportation, Beijing is recognized for its ongoing measures to be a vibrant, livable city. Its forward-looking approach and its focus on embracing new technologies including electric vehicles and shared-mobility models encourage continued positive results for years to come.
Congestion levels continue to remain a significant challenge across China. In order for the cities to keep up with other major markets across the globe, efforts to reduce congestion and air pollution will need to rise to the top of cities’ strategic agendas.
On service and inclusion, transportation in China’s cities are ranked as being accessible and versatile, with plans for infrastructure improvements already underway in Hong Kong and Shenzhen specifically.
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