دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی یکپارچه سازی تراموا و حمل و نقل شهری در شهرهای چینی - الزویر 2018

ABSTRACT

This paper explores a new phenomenon of tram development in Chinese cities where tram is used as an alternative transport system to drive urban development. The Suzhou National High-tech District tram was investigated as a case study. Two key findings are highlighted. Firstly, the new tramway was routed along the “path of least resistance” – avoiding dense urban areas, to reduce conflict with cars. Secondly, regarding urban transport integration, four perspectives were evaluated, namely planning and design, service operation, transport governance and user experience. Findings show insufficient integration in the following aspects, namely tram and bus routes and services, fares on multi-modal journeys, tram station distribution, service intervals, and luggage auxiliary support. The paper argues there is a need for a critical review of the role of tram and for context-based innovative policy reform and governance that could possibly facilitate a successful introduction and integration of tram into a city.

Conclusions and implications for the future

Over the past decade, Chinese cities have invested massively in urban rail systems, the development of which has been closely facilitated and shaped by national policies. Although presently there are relatively few tram systems in operation in China, a further 2000 km of tram network is expected to come into service in the near future. This paper draws on a case study of the SND tram, an example of the Type B tram development model that underlies the majority of new tram cases. This case has been explored to understand the role of tram development in Chinese cities, the pattern of tram use, and the degree of urban transport integration. Regarding the role of tram, the findings show that the tram in Suzhou has been used as a city-marketing tool to drive urban development. Tram systems are widely regarded as a good alternative if a case for constructing metro or light rail systems does not appear justifiable. Unfortunately, after two and half years in operation, despite of a noticeable increase in users in recent months, the number of SND tram passengers is less than one-quarter of what was initially projected. The tram is relatively popular at the weekend, particularly for leisure purposes e.g. travelling to and from the Tai Lake.