Beijing’s sub-center aims for green transport

BEIJING — Beijing's subsidiary administrative center will strive to build a green transport system, according to a detailed plan released on Jan 4.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources and the district government of Tongzhou on Jan 4 disclosed the Regulatory Planning of Beijing Sub-center for 2016 to 2035, as approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on Jan 3.

Sitting in Tongzhou District in the east of the capital, the sub-center aims to accommodate 1.3 million permanent residents by 2035.

The sub-center plans to build an environmental-friendly transport network, giving priorities to pedestrians, cyclists and commuters using public transport.

It is estimated that more than 80 percent of residents living in the sub-center will opt for green transport by 2035, including walking, bicycles and electric vehicles.

The plan said that rail transport would promote the development of the city. Areas close to rail stations are expected to cover 63 percent of employment positions and accommodate 47 percent of residents.

Intelligent technologies will be introduced to improve transportation network efficiency.

To create a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city, the sub-center also plans to improve the city environment by increasing green areas and building more bike lanes. A 2,300-km-long bike lane network will be built by 2035.

The sub-center will focus on greenhouse gas emission reduction, clean energy such as electricity and natural gas, and clean energy supporting facilities.

The city sub-center will cover 155 square kilometers and be extended to the whole area of Tongzhou District, which totals about 906 square km.

Beijing is shifting some of its administrative functions out of the city center into Tongzhou to help address problems including traffic congestion and air pollution.