This paper provides an overview of the recent development of urban rail systems in Chinese citesand the challenges ahead.China is set to become the world leader in length of metro lines in operation in the near tomedium term. Given the large scale of this investment, there is an urgent need for a focus on theoverall economic and financial viability of these systems. Based on analytical work to support aproject investment in the city of Kunming and a study tour of urban rail systems in China, thispaper highlights four areas we believe will be crucial to meeting these objectives: integration ofnew metro systems with existing systems of public transport; a supportive overall urban transportpolicy; transit oriented development; and long term sustainable financing.The paper concludes that in all of these areas, China possesses a set of unique tools that mayenable this program to succeed if used effectively and in concert. Where issues are present today,they appear to stem more from a lack of attention to these issues and from a managerial focus onensuring the completion of the construction program above all other concerns.Stated plainly, the 1 trillion RMB investment in urban rail construction currently under way inChina needs to be a catalyst for joint action on the issues identified in this paper. If not, Chinesecities may be left with an investment that carries large long term costs and does not deliver thecrucial economic benefits expected.
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