Beijing
UMR Index
Score: 56.9%
Sustainable Mobility
Score: 55.6%
Public Transit
Score: 54.2%
| Population | 20.1 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 4,284 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 4,702 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 36,131 |
What Beijing Does Well in Urban Mobility
Beijing has become a regional leader in electric vehicle (EV) investment through purchase incentives and charging station implementation. The Chinese government in 2023 announced an acceleration of charging station construction, according to reports.
Beijing’s roads are safe and well-connected; and its regional connectivity is strengthened by China’s excellent rail network. Its road connectivity is going to be enhanced, as Beijing is undergoing construction of what will become China’s longest highway tunnel through its sub-center, spanning 7.4 kilometers (4.5 miles).
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility and Public Transit scores
Challenges and Opportunities for Beijing’s Transportation System
COVID-19 related travel restrictions drastically reduced the number of passengers until early 2023. With the phasing out of restrictions, 2023 showed a quick recovery of the industry with commercial flights having almost recovered their pre-pandemic levels this summer.
Despite regulating when people can drive their cars in an effort to lower air pollution, Beijing still suffers from noise and light pollution. However, a national plan for 2025 aims to lower noise pollution from transportation, according to reports. Separately, a reported plan from the surrounding Hebei province aims to end levels of severely polluted air by 2025.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
How Beijing Can Improve Its Public Transportation and Sustainable Mobility
Given the city’s sprawl, many Beijing residents have lengthy walks to subway stations and bus stops despite a good transit system. Beijing can add bus routes and stops to help connect residents with subway lines — a cost-effective improvement that would help lower walking distances and overall commute times. In the long term, extending existing subway lines, and adding new line options will be key, but that effort will be a timely and expensive undertaking.
While Beijing has a large network of dedicated bike paths, the city's considerable sprawl continues to challenge cyclists. Increasing the number of maintained bike lanes with safety dividers on main roadways could help drive up cycling's modal share. In addition, bikes are not permitted on buses or the subway. Removing restrictions for bikes would help integrate cycling with public transit even further. Providing e-bike subsidies can help limit geographic barriers and increase cycling accessibility. Lastly, investing in the expansion of bike-sharing services like DidiBike or Hello Bike, such as more stations, bikes, and e-bikes, would further support cyclists throughout the city.