Transport news
BangkokB2bn bus scheme ready for April trial6-FebBangkok Post Bangkok's 2-billion-baht Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, air-conditioned buses on dedicated lanes, is likely to open on May 15, after a trial starting in April. The system will stretch 15.9km from Chong Nonsi to the intersection between Ratchadaphisek and Ratchaphruek roads, and comprise 12 bus stops.
YanchengZonda 18-meter BRT Run in Yancheng4-FebChinabuses.com
HangzhouLow-carbon life sweeps Hangzhou29-JanChina Daily Zhejiang's Hangzhou has been a leading city in promoting low-carbon lifestyles. On May 1, 2008, Hangzhou began a free public bicycle service to ease traffic jams and carbon dioxide emissions. By 2020, the bicycle system is expected to cover all eight city districts, involving 175,000 bicycles for rental.
SydneyWheel turns for notorious pub26-JanSMH An inner-city hotel notorious for alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour is to be turned into the city's first designated cycling hub. Taylor Square Hotel off Oxford Street will soon be replaced by cyclists pedalling in to make use of a new bike repair centre, bike shop and a bicycle hire scheme. The city council took possession of the property yesterday. The council paid the owner $5.5 million for the building, and will now spend hundreds of thousands of dollars more on refurbishments, including an outdoor cafe, shower facilities and an office for companies specialising in cycling tours.
BeijingBeijing seeks to revive cycling24-JanXinhua Beijing authorities aim to increase the proportion of cyclists on road from the current 19.7% to 23% by 2015 for a clearer sky and less traffic jams in the capital city. The city will restore bicycle lanes which were cut to make more room for cars and buses. It will also work to relieve a shortage of secure bicycle parking, and aims to have 50,000 bikes available for bikesharing by 2015.
ShanghaiMetro switched on to phone payments23-JanShanghai Daily China Mobile users in Shanghai can now pay Metro fares using mobile phones equipped with swipe technology. The technology also means people can pay bills in 1,000 stores in Shanghai, including Starbucks and McDonald's.
AhmedabadAhmedabad wins Sustainable Transport Award 201015-Janigovernment The historic Indian city of Ahmedabad has won the prestigious 'Sustainable Transport Award 2010' for the successful implementation of Janmarg, India's first full bus rapid transit system. Janmarg carries 18,000 daily passenger trips.
GuangzhouBicycle Lease Network to Cover Guangzhou14-JanLife of Guangzhou Within the next two years, there are plans for over 30,000 bicycles to be made available across the city to citizens as an alternative mode of transport. The bicycles shall be located at 1,000 leasing points near metro and BRT stations, commercial centers and large residential communities.
JakartaOut & About: Up, close and personal with my ‘Metromini’12-JanJakarta Post
Kuala LumpurRapidBET bus system from KL to Kota Damansara and Sungai Long12-JanThe Star RapidBET (Bus Express Transit) utilises less congested highways to link heavily populated areas and the city centre. The service has limited stops and aims to get the commuters to work in half the time of the regular buses.      A catchy name, though no relation to gambling or to BRT.