Shanghai government spokeswoman Jiao Yang on August 28 answered
reporters¡¯questions in a written form about the upcoming public transport week
and no-car day.
1. Question:¡°No-car day¡±advocates citizens use public transport facilities.
What measures will local public transport companies carry out to secure
citizens¡¯transit?
Answer: Shanghai¡¯s first no-car day falls on a Saturday this year, so local
public transport companies will put about 10 percent to 15 percent more buses
into use to secure citizens¡¯transit. If the no-car day falls on weekdays in the
following years, they will map out better arrangements on the basis of current
experience.
2. Question: September 22 will be the first¡°Car-free Day¡±in Shanghai. Will
the city hold the activity regularly in the following years? How will
authorities better promote the activity to realize the idea of¡°green¡±traffic?
Answer: Shanghai signed the agreement in December, 2006 to take part in
China¡¯s public transport week and no-car day and promised to hold this activity
from September 16 to 22 every year. Shanghai has set up special organization and
operation mechanism to run this activity. The city has also mapped out a
three-year plan on the development of public transport from 2007 to 2009 and put
the plan into use. The city will create an integrated public transport system in
three years that combines Metro lines, buses, and taxis by traffic hubs and
information systems. The city will also set up a scientific and reasonable
transport pricing mechanism, optimize its traffic network, save energy and cut
pollutant discharge and increase the environmental-protection standard for buses
to attract more passengers. Buses will be the major vehicle for local residents
and offer a safe, punctual, convenient and reliable service.
3. Question: Which cars will be restricted from running on the roads on
September 22?
Answer: The launch of public transport week and no-car day is to encourage
residents to choose public transport facilities to save energy and improve
environment.
Government officials have been asked to set an example by abandoning their
cars for the day. Leaders of state-owned enterprises were also urged to take a
lead role.
We hope everyone in Shanghai will contribute a little for more
environmentally friendly living conditions and promote sustainable development.
