Comments on: The Future of Transportation in India and China http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Tue, 22 May 2012 00:58:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Yuxiang Gao http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-18017 Yuxiang Gao Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:22:57 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-18017 Speaking of transportation system, I have to mention the public transportation in China. I didn't feel so pround of our public transportation until I arrive here. When I was in college, the college is 30 miles away from the downtown and as you know most people don't have cars. But if i want go to downtown, i just need to buy 2 RMB (30Cents) ticket, the best thing you do need to remreber the schedule of the bus, the interval between every two buses is 5-10 mins, the subway and bus system reach every corner of the city In every big cities the USA, I was surprised the waste of public transportation resource. In LA, at least 30% metro train are empty! China and India can learn from the U.S. mistakes by designing city transportation infrastructures around alternative means of transportation. Speaking of transportation system, I have to mention the public transportation in China. I didn’t feel so pround of our public transportation until I arrive here.
When I was in college, the college is 30 miles away from the downtown and as you know most people don’t have cars. But if i want go to downtown, i just need to buy 2 RMB (30Cents) ticket, the best thing you do need to remreber the schedule of the bus, the interval between every two buses is 5-10 mins, the subway and bus system reach every corner of the city
In every big cities the USA, I was surprised the waste of public transportation resource. In LA, at least 30% metro train are empty!
China and India can learn from the U.S. mistakes by designing city transportation infrastructures around alternative means of transportation.

]]> By: Matthew Perez http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-17946 Matthew Perez Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:19:34 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-17946 Despite not being the best form of transportation in term of the environment or efficiency, the automobile is still the preferred transportation of people who can afford. The fact that Chinese automotive sales have surpassed those of the United States in 2009 despite the average Chinese individual earning a fraction of what an American earns demonstrates how strong demand is for this form of transportation. Although not quite as massive, India’s auto industry has also experienced a tremendous of growth as well. As Alex has said earlier, the automobile offers the most freedom of any form of transportation. This is a luxury most people would pay dearly for, in spite of the consequences. Despite not being the best form of transportation in term of the environment or efficiency, the automobile is still the preferred transportation of people who can afford. The fact that Chinese automotive sales have surpassed those of the United States in 2009 despite the average Chinese individual earning a fraction of what an American earns demonstrates how strong demand is for this form of transportation. Although not quite as massive, India’s auto industry has also experienced a tremendous of growth as well. As Alex has said earlier, the automobile offers the most freedom of any form of transportation. This is a luxury most people would pay dearly for, in spite of the consequences.

]]> By: Emily Schaapveld http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-17316 Emily Schaapveld Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:02:33 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-17316 If you look at the top five largest cities in the U.S., mass transportation systems are a must have. It is nearly impossible to move the masses of people about the city without public transportation. Yes, the majority of U.S citizens own at least one car, but many find it the most convenient, cost effective, and efficient to utilize public transportation. Thought the U.S model predominately focuses on transportation via car, we are quickly learning that it is not the most economically and environmentally viable option. There is a shift in the U.S. moving towards more "green" forms of transportation, such as walking, commuting by bike, and utililizing mass transportation. China and India can learn from the U.S. mistakes by designing city transportation infrastructures around alternative means of transportation. The only way people will not use cars is if they find it more difficult and expensive than using other forms of transportation, which can be done by designing transportation systems and planning city infrastructures that discourage the use of cars. If you look at the top five largest cities in the U.S., mass transportation systems are a must have. It is nearly impossible to move the masses of people about the city without public transportation. Yes, the majority of U.S citizens own at least one car, but many find it the most convenient, cost effective, and efficient to utilize public transportation. Thought the U.S model predominately focuses on transportation via car, we are quickly learning that it is not the most economically and environmentally viable option. There is a shift in the U.S. moving towards more “green” forms of transportation, such as walking, commuting by bike, and utililizing mass transportation. China and India can learn from the U.S. mistakes by designing city transportation infrastructures around alternative means of transportation. The only way people will not use cars is if they find it more difficult and expensive than using other forms of transportation, which can be done by designing transportation systems and planning city infrastructures that discourage the use of cars.

]]> By: Alex Thornton http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-17298 Alex Thornton Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:13:57 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-17298 Friedman's editorial is predicated on the belief that phone technology and transportation technology are analogous. Cell phones are arguably strictly better than land lines. Each person has their own phone (individual freedom), cell phones can be taken with a person nearly wherever he or she goes (mobility), and they have other functions like texting, internet, and photo capabilities (options). In contrast, the alternative transportation Friedman supports over the use of cars is not a perfect upgrade. It is true that buses and trains create less pollution than cars. However, cars offer greater freedom and mobility than public transportation can ever give. "Leapfrogging" from cheap cars to mass transportation is not as clear cut as skipping ahead to cell phones. Friedman’s editorial is predicated on the belief that phone technology and transportation technology are analogous.

Cell phones are arguably strictly better than land lines. Each person has their own phone (individual freedom), cell phones can be taken with a person nearly wherever he or she goes (mobility), and they have other functions like texting, internet, and photo capabilities (options).

In contrast, the alternative transportation Friedman supports over the use of cars is not a perfect upgrade. It is true that buses and trains create less pollution than cars. However, cars offer greater freedom and mobility than public transportation can ever give. “Leapfrogging” from cheap cars to mass transportation is not as clear cut as skipping ahead to cell phones.

]]> By: Jamie Hastings http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-12319 Jamie Hastings Sat, 02 May 2009 21:10:00 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-12319 I think this is one of the most interesting topics in China and India and I am really fascinated with infrastructure and particularly aviation and how it fits into a country's ability to move people and goods. I have followed the topic of general aviation slightly in regards to China and have heard that the Chinese government is beginning to support general aviation. Within the last few years they have placed large orders for single engine piston aircraft. Here is an article that mentions not only one of their recent purchases, but also their interest in producing aircraft. http://www.avbuyer.com/articles/Article.asp?Id=1016 Aviation is one of the most interesting modes of transportation that is really not that dependent on infrastructure. Some of the least developed countries rely heavily on aviation due to a lack of infrastructure. Africa, Alaska, and other remote regions of the world completely depend on general aviation as it is so much easier to build small airstrips than to build roads in many cases. I can see China and India being possibly the largest markets for general aviation in the near future. I constantly wonder if China and India could be possible places of opportunity to fly people and goods into and out of remote places that lack road and rail systems. Once again, the success of general aviation in China is probably dependent on the governments ability to build airstrips. To put it in perspective, the U.S. has over 5000 airfields and most of them, you can fly into and out of free of charge. I think this is one of the most interesting topics in China and India and I am really fascinated with infrastructure and particularly aviation and how it fits into a country’s ability to move people and goods. I have followed the topic of general aviation slightly in regards to China and have heard that the Chinese government is beginning to support general aviation. Within the last few years they have placed large orders for single engine piston aircraft. Here is an article that mentions not only one of their recent purchases, but also their interest in producing aircraft. http://www.avbuyer.com/articles/Article.asp?Id=1016

Aviation is one of the most interesting modes of transportation that is really not that dependent on infrastructure. Some of the least developed countries rely heavily on aviation due to a lack of infrastructure. Africa, Alaska, and other remote regions of the world completely depend on general aviation as it is so much easier to build small airstrips than to build roads in many cases. I can see China and India being possibly the largest markets for general aviation in the near future. I constantly wonder if China and India could be possible places of opportunity to fly people and goods into and out of remote places that lack road and rail systems.

Once again, the success of general aviation in China is probably dependent on the governments ability to build airstrips. To put it in perspective, the U.S. has over 5000 airfields and most of them, you can fly into and out of free of charge.

]]> By: Morgan O'Hara http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-12289 Morgan O'Hara Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:51:03 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-12289 I'm a native New Yorker, and the subway system holds a special place in my heart. I can't wait to hop on the rails once in China and India, and I'm impressed to see how much money both countries (especially the former) are pouring into public transport projects. A really interesting article on subways and China: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/business/worldbusiness/27transit.html?scp=1&sq=china%20subway&st=cse Regardless of the rise in private car ownership - the sheer size of these cities makes effective mass transit systems a must. We've all experienced the LA traffic - can you imagine if its population were doubled? I won't venture to estimate the environmental impact, but I do know that it would be unlivable. The government has a role to play - in my opinion, it's fare game to subsidize mass transit by taxing private transportation, by tolling cars that travel within city limits, etc. The holy grail seems to be whether a city can set up an efficient and profitable mass transit system. After a bit of research, it seems Japan is the only country that has managed over time. As one of blogs mentioned, moral hazard is a huge issue. Government will bail out losses incurred by mass transit systems, and taxpayers will shoulder the burden - but then again, isn't all the infrastructure necessary to keep our car culture running subsidized by public funds? Maybe China has the solution. Here's an article on how to make mass transit work by promoting population density and property development around subway lines: http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/editorials/2008/1203b.html I’m a native New Yorker, and the subway system holds a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to hop on the rails once in China and India, and I’m impressed to see how much money both countries (especially the former) are pouring into public transport projects. A really interesting article on subways and China:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/business/worldbusiness/27transit.html?scp=1&sq=china%20subway&st=cse

Regardless of the rise in private car ownership - the sheer size of these cities makes effective mass transit systems a must. We’ve all experienced the LA traffic - can you imagine if its population were doubled? I won’t venture to estimate the environmental impact, but I do know that it would be unlivable.

The government has a role to play - in my opinion, it’s fare game to subsidize mass transit by taxing private transportation, by tolling cars that travel within city limits, etc.

The holy grail seems to be whether a city can set up an efficient and profitable mass transit system. After a bit of research, it seems Japan is the only country that has managed over time. As one of blogs mentioned, moral hazard is a huge issue. Government will bail out losses incurred by mass transit systems, and taxpayers will shoulder the burden - but then again, isn’t all the infrastructure necessary to keep our car culture running subsidized by public funds?

Maybe China has the solution. Here’s an article on how to make mass transit work by promoting population density and property development around subway lines:

http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/editorials/2008/1203b.html

]]> By: Chris Carr http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/the-future-of-transportation-in-india-and-china/#comment-12280 Chris Carr Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:11:51 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1685#comment-12280 See this blog post by Jesse Dundon from last year's trip on China's and India's civil aviation infrastructure. Click <strong><a href="http://chindia2008.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!997493CA2D00C0E5!138.entry" rel="nofollow">HERE</a></strong>. See also this blog post by Chris White from last's years trip on China's and India's road and freeway infrastructure. Click <strong><a href="http://cwhite1210.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!88082D142029794!123.entry" rel="nofollow">HERE</a></strong>. See also my related blog post on the topic from a year or two ago. Click <strong><a href="http://calpolymbatrip.com/2007/china/planes-trains-and-automobiles/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a></strong>. See this blog post by Jesse Dundon from last year’s trip on China’s and India’s civil aviation infrastructure. Click HERE.

See also this blog post by Chris White from last’s years trip on China’s and India’s road and freeway infrastructure. Click HERE.

See also my related blog post on the topic from a year or two ago. Click HERE.

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