Sunday, July 20, was a big day for Beijingers who own a car. It was the first day driving restrictions went into place to reduce traffic for the Olympic Games.
The Beijing traffic has been tolerable at most times but during others it is unbearable. To cut the headaches, the Chinese government has mandated that cars registered in Beijing with license plates ending in an odd number can only drive on odd number days, for instance July 21. On that day, even numbered plates are prohibited. Most public vehicles – taxis, busses, ambulances – are exempt.
This restriction will last until September 20. Government officials have estimated that it will reduce traffic in Beijing by 70 percent. Auto owners affected by the mandate will be exempt from three months of auto tax, which will cost the government an estimated RMB$1.3 billion. That is equivalent to about US$9.1 billion.
Also, an Olympic traffic lane, which is marked with the Olympic rings about every half mile, went into effect on the 20th. This lane will be saving all of us who are volunteering tons of time commuting back-and-forth to our venue, which is about 90 minutes away.
The traffic was significantly better on the 20th and I saw only one vehicle that had an odd plate number. Think about this taking place in the States. Are you kidding me? I have not been able to find any information about the fines but Americans would kick and scream about how their rights are being limited. And based on my interaction with the Chinese in the last two weeks, they would do anything, including riding the bus or subway, if there was a positive outcome related to the Olympics. A HUGE difference between cultures.
1 comment:
I count myself blessed as being able to kick & scream in the first place.
Post a Comment