Reliable mass transport system is cited by experts as important in facing the issue of rapid urbanization. (Photo : www.china.org.cn)
According to experts, the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai are models for developing a 'reliable' mass transport system in areas facing rapid urbanization.
According to a Xinhua News Agency report, the cities were lauded by the participants of a global symposium on transport technologies held in Istanbul on Thursday.
The event highlighted the significance of effective and efficient public transport mechanism as a way to combat urbanization across the globe.
Latest figures show that in most Western countries, the urbanization rate has already surpassed the 70-percent mark.
"Facing with such an immense urbanization growth, experts urged the authorities to find ways to develop reliable public transportation systems based on performance and quality," Istanbul Energy, Tramway and Tunnel Directorate (IETT) general director Mumin Kahveci stated.
Meanwhile, former London mayor Kenneth Livingstone urged the participants to take a look at the cases of Beijing's and Shanghai's transport systems.
"I have been very impressed by Beijing and Shanghai mayors by just the way that they take decisions very quickly and push the government to improve the system," Livingstone remarked.
Livingstone also suggested that experts should turn their focus to encouraging people to use public transport instead of building new road infrastructures.
"In fact, by creating new roads you are at the same time attracting more and more cars to the city centers," he pointed out.
The symposium, which is now on its eighth year, was attended by over a hundred mayors, transport experts and academicians from 10 countries.
