Beijing municipal government's decision to limit the number of motor vehicles on the city's roads during a four-day test, which starts this weekend, demonstrates its resolve to address the problems of congestion and pollution caused by emissions.
This is undoubtedly a simple but effective remedy for the problem. But it can only be executed as a provisional measure for a particular purpose over a certain period of time - like hosting the Olympic Games, for example.
A simple methodology can only bring about a simple solution. It does not touch the root cause of the conundrum.
Dramatically reducing the number of vehicles on Beijing's roads is definitely the most effective way to smooth the traffic and thin out the exhaust in the air but administrative prohibitions are not the right way to permanently solve the problem.
To dissuade people from driving and persuade them to take public transport, the government should study the psychology of motorists and take appropriate measures.
Most drivers are aware of the seriousness of air pollution and their contribution to it. But the awareness, or even guilt, is not strong enough for them to give up driving unconditionally.
They cannot do without the convenience and comfort of their own car. If the cost of driving becomes high enough, however, they might be less inclined to use their vehicles.
Two measures can be taken to this end.
First, charging a fee for driving in the inner city - within the third or fourth ring roads, for example.
Second, charging a pollution fee.
The pollution fee is verifiable. Car owners account only for a minor proportion of the total population. It is unfair for non-drivers to suffer polluted air when it is not their fault. Charging car owners to finance causes of public good is a kind of compensation for the non-owners.
Some people might argue that an inner city fee would benefit the rich and deprive ordinary citizens' right to auto mobility. But it is not.
What would be restricted is driving on crowded roads in densely populated areas, which is far from a pleasant business. If the rich enjoy driving in such conditions, let them do it and pay for being part of the congestion. Of course, the charge should be set very high.
Technical feasibility is not a problem.
Another reason why motorists do not like public transport is that it is inconvenient and takes longer.
Commuters might have to change trains or buses two or three times to get to their destination. Buses and subway trains are invariably crowded and waiting at bus stops can be chaotic.
Many people have tried public transport but returned to their private vehicles for the reasons given above. If the problems are solved, many commuters will opt for public transport.
To settle these problems and ensure a fast, effective and orderly public transport system needs government action. However, campaign-style promotions and empty slogans won't do.
Careful investigation and meticulous planning of corresponding measures are needed. The authorities even need to study the psychology and habits of commuters so as to take really effective measures to attain the desired results.
A conundrum's solution calls for conscientious effort.
英语四六级听力训练的方法(3)
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析计算题Day 2
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析等值转换题 Day 4
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析观点态度题Day 12
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析计算类概述Day 1
大学英语四级考试听力的分析
听力题应试的技巧:听力需注意的七类关键词
英语四六级听力训练的方法(1)
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析行为活动题Day 13
克服常见易错的语音
听力题应试技巧:听力横竖的结合法
英语专家解析历年四级听力短文的题材
对话式听力考题的大总结
听力题应试的技巧:可能写错的四级听写词
听力训练的三步走:有恒、有序和有量
四级对听力理解上的要求
听力题应试的技巧:信息的概括能力和表达能力
CET
CET4英语四级考试全真的模拟题
与帮助相关的一些单词
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析职业身份题Day 7
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析暗示题Day 17
听力题应试技巧:听力考试的题型的分析
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析事实状况题Day 14
搞定听力的两个重要的环节
听力题应试的技巧:已经考过的听写词
与睡觉相关的一些单词
40天攻克大学英语四级:听力题型的解析引申题Day 19
听力题应试技巧:复合式的听写题
四六级听力中如何突破地名人名的干扰
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |