The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the eleventh of which is "Sustainable Cities and Communities", namely: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. 

Under this major goal, there are ten targets, the second of which is "By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons".

● Current Situation

About the World

Sustainable Transport Is Vital for SDGs

Adequate public transport infrastructure and affordable transport services are still widely lacking in many countries of the world, especially for the most vulnerable groups.This is in contrast to a global increase in public transport demand of almost one-fifth between 2001 and 2014, which suggests related negative impacts, such as worsening congestion and crowding—a challenge that is likely to increase with rapid urban population growth. 

Photo source: un.org

Today, only 49.5% of urban residents worldwide have convenient access to public transport, based on data from over 1,500 cities collected by custodian agency UN-Habitat.88 Broken down by region, Western Asia, Northern Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa lag behind, with only about 33% of inhabitants having convenient access to public transport. Informal transport modes, such as motorcycle taxis, auto-rickshaws, and pedicabs, are widely available in some regions with low public transport access. They often provide reliable transport but may contribute to negative externalities such as congestion and pollution.

Text source: Interagency Report for Second Global Sustainable Transport Conference 

About China

Promote Basic Public Transportation Services for All

China has built a safe and sustainable transportation system to provide transportation guarantee for economic and social development and mass travel. China's transportation safety production and emergency response capacity have been continuously improved to enhance the people's sense of safety, always give priority to safety, coordinate development and safety, and spare no effort to promote the construction of safe transportation.

Photo source: people.com.cn

China has vigorously promoted the equalization of basic public services in transportation, ensured that urban and rural residents can enjoy travel, let people share the fruits of transportation development, and strive to build transportation that people are satisfied with. From 2012 to 2020, 1.21 million kilometers of rural roads were newly reconstructed in poor areas, about 70000 organic villages were newly connected with hardened roads, more than 50000 organic villages were newly connected with passenger cars, 309 "sliding rope to bridge" projects were implemented, 996 ferries and 52000 linear meters of crossing to bridge were completed, and the poor areas said goodbye to "difficult travel" and "difficult transportation".

Text source: Report on Sustainable Transportation Development in China

●  Cases

About the World

Cycle for Cleaner and More Inclusive Mobility

UN-Habitat advocates safer and more inclusive cities through promoting walking and cycling as attractive, sustainable and efficient forms of mobility. UN-Habitat and partners continue to arrange bike rides in various Africa cities to inspire officials to recognise the importance of cycling and to promote it as an efficient and egalitarian mode of transport among politicians interested in contributing to socio-economic development. These projects support the transition and retention of low carbon mobility through the empowerment of those who are most vulnerable on urban streets.

In February and March 2022, a bike ride event in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam became a platform for officials to experience cycling in the city and for local cyclists to meet the decision-makers.

Greater awareness and acceptance of cycling as a sustainable and pro-climate mode of transport by government officials in African cities is necessary to integrate cycling as an essential part of transport plans and investment decisions.

Text and photo source: unhabitat.org

About China 

Shenzhen Green Bus System

Shenzhen is an important window to display China's image to the world. The comprehensive electrification of public transport in Shenzhen is another new record of the specific application of China's scientific and technological innovation and a vivid embodiment of China's active commitment to the environmental responsibility. Shenzhen Bus Group explores the green development mode and sustainable development path, and continues to promote the comprehensive electrification process in the field of transportation all over the world, so that more people can enjoy the new achievements of green development.

Photo source: jtys.sz.gov.cn

Shenzhen has built a multi-level public transport system with "rail transit as the framework, conventional public transport as the network, taxis as the supplement and slow traffic as the extension". According to the latest statistical results, during the peak period in Shenzhen, the proportion of public transport in motorized travel reached 62.6%, and the sharing rate of urban transport green travel in Shenzhen reached 77.42%, leading China in all indicators. At the same time, Shenzhen takes the lead in demonstration, bravely breaks through the "no man's land" of green reform and development in the transportation industry, realizes multiple "global firsts", and provides a "Shenzhen scheme" for the green and low-carbon development of global urban transportation.

Text source: sasac.gov.cn

●  Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiated by the United Nations

On 1 January, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.