An Innovation in Green Transport for High-Density Cities: The Rail Transit—Road System

Traffic congestion relief has become a key issue in relation to building green transport in large cities in developing countries. In particular, in high-density cities in East Asia, traffic congestion is still getting worse even though huge investments have been made in transit and roads. One important reason for this is the disintegration of planning between road, transit and pedestrian systems. This paper introduces an innovation in green transport for high-density cities named as a rail transit-road system (RTRS). It is based on a standard urban road system with the introduction of a rail transit system on the roads. It gives the priority to green transport modes — such as pedestrians, cycling and public transport — while at the same time taking cars and other vehicles into account. That makes it possible for cars, pedestrians, cycling and public transport to run efficiently without disturbing each other. Compared with existing roads, the RTRS system would enhance the efficiency of use of road spaces, save the investments, reduce traffic congestion on roads, and improve the walking and bicycling environment. It would be an innovative way of achieving green transport in high-density cities in East Asia — China, for example.