Interview about Traffic Situation in Shanghai

While organising my files in my computer, I came across this interview which I gave to a web magazine some years back. Though the interview took place some years back, I think they are still relevant for people looking for info on traffic station in Shanghai.

My responses are in blue. Tell me if you agree with some of my points :)

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1) You had posted "Traffic In Shanghai" at the end of 2006. Since then, have you noticed any improvements or decline in the traffic condition in China?

Personally, I feel that the traffic condition in Shanghai is still largely the same the past few years.  The usual traffic jams, indirect routes and too many drivers not following the rules.

2) Shanghai is one of the more modern cities in China yet many reports still site bad infrastructure, bad drivers, and negligent citizens. What are some causes for these impediments?

I suspect there are quite a number of unqualified drivers on the roads. As mentioned, in the question below, when there are unlicensed drivers out there, accidents, bad driving are bound to happen on the road. This results in tempers flaring from other road users prompting even more bad driving and road usage.

Also, It doesn’t pay to drive courteously on the road. Courteous drivers that give way or stick to rules often get taken advantage of. In the end, everyone become so competitive on the roads, driving etiquette gets thrown out of the window totally.

Third, many vehicles in China especially trucks are in very bad state of repair, creating a risk for accidents. Vehicles with no taillights or broken taillights are not uncommon.

Infrastructure wise, the city is growing so fast and urban renewal occurring so rapidly that even the existing and newer road infrastructure cant keep up. We have yet to see whether some of these bigger projects can do to alleviate the situation as they are still under construction, and these take time. 

3) What are some examples of improved road conditions or regulations for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists in Shanghai?

Shanghai city, for example is trying to build more metro stations to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. For example, in Dec 2007, 58 metro stations were opened on the same day!...and its still expanding with a few more lines in the pipeline. By 2012, Shanghai Metro will span 510 kilometers . Currently, there are 147 metro stations.

Also, the 36km Hangzhou Bay Bridge (a mega project) provided another option to Hangzhou from Shanghai.

On the road courtesy front, there has been numerous print, TV and radio ads promotion road safety and courtesy.

4) Is getting a driver's license mandatory in China? How do citizens get around having to apply for a driver's license?

Legally speaking, yes. A driver’s license is a must to drive on the roads. But I have heard cases of people paying someone to take the test, driving without license or simply bribing the authorities for a driving license.

 5) How has China's urbanization plan affected the Chinese lifestyle in the city and the country?  

Best example of urbanization is the lead up to the Beijing Olympics. Thousands of homes and buildings with historical value are torn down to make way for better more modern westernized buildings. The same thing is happening in Shanghai every day. That is why there is the terms- Old Beijing, New Beijing & Old Shanghai, New Shanghai came about.

Not all is bad though. There are some brilliant architects and designers that have managed to blend china theme with western influences. Modernizing and yet retaining a touch of old. This fusion results in some great city concepts not available anywhere else in the world.

Along with urbanization comes new expectations the way people live in the city. And of course, more people move from the rural areas to cities. This greatly improves their quality of life.

Comments

[Brian Lansdowne]

Traffic in Shanghai is still very primmite, and very uncivilized. Shanghai was built for the Bicycle and small motor Bike. The hiways build here can not accommodate the New in Car traffic that has growen about 30 percent every year, since 2007. Because of government incentives and the new car explosion to have a car in Shanghai. There are to many cars and the devices used to control traffic in Shanghai are not properly set up. Hugh black market for linceses and other things related to the car. This is a big culture shift in the mind of the normal Shanghai person. The car is the worst thing to happen to China in the last 10 years. These people who do drive in China bring there bad habbits to the western world of driving. Brian idorun2003@yahoo.com

[yang guang ( my Chinese name )]

All very interesting and true about Shanghai traffic. The car was not made for the city. Many of these drivers are illegalized drivers. Many drive just to show FACE. Very important in the Chinese Culture to show face. Always a good side never the bad side. Im a big man in Government and my FACE is bigger. New Car very important big FACE.

[OdonnellCherry22]

It's cool that people are able to take the loan moreover, this opens new possibilities.