China launched the first nationwide urban public transport week
on Sunday in an attempt to raise residents' awareness on energy
saving and environmental protection.
The Chinese government introduces the campaign as many of its
cities are being plagued by worsening traffic congestion as well as
pollution caused by increasing car driving.
The campaign, with the theme of "Green Transport and Health",
covers 108 cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin and will
last through Sept. 22, according to the Ministry of
Construction.
It encourages people to walk, ride bicycles and take public
transport facilities like buses, subways and taxies rather than
drive private cars, the ministry said.
During the campaign, the 108 cities will set one or more zones
which open only to pedestrians, bicycle riders, taxi and bus
passengers between 7:00?AM and 7:00?PM on Sept. 22, or
the "No Car Day".
China will launch the week-long campaign in the same period of
each year, an official with the ministry said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2007)