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Why has traffic congestion become a major problem in Guangzhou?
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Guangzhou
Nighttime view of central Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
Traffic congestion in Guangzhou has become a significant issue primarily due to a dramatic shift in transportation habits. While buses and bicycles were once the city's principal means of travel, there has been a substantial increase in the use of automobiles and motorcycles, leading to a decline in bicycle usage.1
To address these challenges, the city has implemented several measures, including:
- Widening streets and constructing additional bridges across the Pearl River.1
- Placing restrictions on motorcycle traffic during specific times and in certain downtown zones.1
- Developing an extensive public transportation network, most notably a subway system that connects the city internally and extends to Foshan.1
These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of rapid urban growth and the rising number of private vehicles on the city's infrastructure.12