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In the bustling urban landscapes and sprawling rural expanses of China, public transportation plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions. But just how many people use public transport in China? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think, given the vastness of the country and the diversity of its public transport systems.
According to the China Statistical Yearbook 2020, approximately 79.45 billion passengers used urban public transport in 2019. This figure includes bus, tram, subway, and ferry passengers in cities across the country. However, this number does not account for the countless individuals who rely on rural bus services, long-distance trains, and other forms of public transportation.
The usage of public transport varies significantly across different regions of China. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, public transport is the primary mode of commuting. The Beijing Subway, for instance, boasts an average daily ridership of over 10 million. In contrast, in rural areas and smaller cities, the reliance on public transport is less pronounced due to the prevalence of private vehicles and the lack of extensive public transport networks.
The usage of public transport in China is also influenced by various socio-economic factors. For instance, lower-income groups are more likely to rely on public transport due to the high costs associated with owning and maintaining a private vehicle. On the other hand, the middle and upper classes are more likely to own private vehicles, although they still use public transport for certain types of journeys, such as commuting to work during peak hours to avoid traffic congestion.
The Chinese government’s policies also play a significant role in shaping public transport usage. Over the past few decades, the government has invested heavily in expanding and modernizing the public transport infrastructure. This has led to a significant increase in the usage of public transport, particularly in urban areas.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on public transport usage in China. According to a report by the China Academy of Transportation Sciences, the number of public transport users dropped by nearly 50% during the height of the pandemic. While the numbers have been gradually recovering, they are still below pre-pandemic levels.
In conclusion, determining the exact number of people who use public transport in China is a complex task that requires a nuanced understanding of the country’s diverse transport systems, socio-economic conditions, and government policies. However, it is clear that public transport plays a crucial role in the lives of a significant portion of the Chinese population.
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