The rapid rollout of transport infrastructure in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been at the heart of its economic success but it now needs to place more emphasis on environmentally sustainable transport systems that can help cut the country’s heavy reliance on oil, says a new publication from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The publication, "Promoting Environmentally Sustainable Transport in the People's Republic of China", lays out a blueprint for the sector that balances the need to cater to the country’s growing transport requirements, while protecting the environment.

The PRC has made giant strides in transport over the past few decades, with its highway system growing nearly 300% in 26 years, air passenger traffic in kilometers traveled tripling in size from 1995 to 2006, and its rail network growing 45% since 1980.

At the same time it has become the world’s fastest growing oil consumer with 35% of the total consumed going into road transport alone as private motor vehicle use soared in tandem with the rising personal incomes. As a result, the transport sector now accounts for around 7% of the PRC's greenhouse gas emissions, up from 5.4% in 1990. By 2030, it's estimated the sector will account for 11% of the nation's emissions.

"Business-as-usual policies in energy consumption are no longer a viable option for the PRC or for any other nation," says Manmohan Parkash, ADB’s Principal Transport Specialist.

The study lays out a series of policy measures that could be taken to create an integrated, sustainable transport system where fuel use is reduced, air pollution cut and environmentally-friendly public transport options, such as rail and water, are encouraged.

Among measures suggested are a national transportation fund to focus on sustainable transport development; faster implementation of a fuel tax that discourages excessive motor vehicle use; more investment and regulatory reform for railways; special funds to develop inland waterways, and campaigns to promote the use of public transport.

The study commends the government for policy steps taken to reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency and conservation, promote the use of alternative fuel, and to develop mass rapid rail transport systems. But it notes that the implementation of several ongoing initiatives can be further strengthened, and there is a need for an integrated transport masterplan that links the rollout of new infrastructure with environmental, social and economic considerations.

"A well functioning and sustainable transport system is vital for sustaining the high growth rate of the PRC economy, to improving the quality of life of its people and to helping mitigate the impacts of climate change," Mr. Parkash says.