Problem

China is the second biggest contributor to global transportation emissions, accounting for 11% of the global figure. In 2019, China was ranked the 11th most polluted country globally. Despite being home to four of the world’s top ten busiest public metro networks (by annual ridership), China faces a rising need for more extensive, low-carbon, public transport alternatives. In Zhengzhou, northern China, the growth of road-based vehicles over the years has caused major congestion, with travel speeds dropping to below 18km/h during peak hours. This is compounded by a low rate of public transport use, only accounting for 13.6% of all journeys taken. One of the reasons for this is the inaccessibility and lack of equity of public transportation for vulnerable groups, particularly in ease of access for the elderly, disabled, and women.

Responses

The Zhengzhou Urban Rail project, initiated in 2014 with international financing and through public-private partnerships, led to the construction of Line 3, a 25.5 km rail line with universal accessibility. By 2021, the use of trains in Line 3 successfully reduced car road usage and cut CO2 emissions by 33,960 tons. During the planning process, two rounds of survey-based consultation were undertaken, which included over 700 respondents from a variety of groups, genders, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Local women’s associations and disability associations were involved in reviewing the station facilities and design to ensure inclusivity. Features such as elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and women-priority cars were installed, highlighting the importance of the user experience, gender considerations and barrier-free accessibility to ensure widespread accessibility. The project’s success underscores the value of inclusive design and stakeholder engagement in public infrastructure, providing a model for sustainable urban transit that prioritises environmental and social equity.

Find out more: World Economic Forum