According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, in 2024, there are 42 key tasks aimed at optimizing the business environment in the transportation sector. These tasks are structured around seven main aspects, including creating an environment of equal competition, providing warm and efficient services, and developing a smart and convenient digital environment. Specifically mentioned is the active promotion of the use of foreign bank card POS machines for payments on Beijing’s subway and buses. In terms of tourist transportation, the city will also optimize the setup of temporary drop-off zones and parking facilities at tourist attractions.
Clear implicit barriers in the bidding and tendering field
This year, the transport department has been continuously clearing various implicit barriers and unreasonable restrictions in the bidding and tendering field for transportation projects. The government is exploring dynamic management of bid evaluation experts and credit evaluation of bidding agencies. It is also promoting streamlined approval processes for municipal access projects and sharing related information on construction sites for municipal road excavation. Additionally, the government is expanding comprehensive regulatory coverage across industries and simultaneously advancing the “Comprehensive Regulatory Check Through E-Code”, guiding enterprises through multiple channels to proactively comply with regulations. Steps are being taken to fully cover the transportation sector with non-site supervision and strictly regulate the implementation of administrative fines.
To facilitate the handling of online tasks, the transport department is pushing for the application of electronic certificates such as identity cards in transportation approvals. The government expands the use of electronic seals for enterprises in the transportation sector and establishing individualized databases for enterprises, individuals, and vehicles. The government also adopts a one-time approach to services, including establishing transportation enterprises and constructing and operating temporary multistory parking facilities. Moreover, the government enables self-service transactions for transportation matters in municipal and district government service halls, and launching a series of government services accessible through mobile apps.
Optimize the setup of temporary drop-off areas at tourist attractions
Additionally, the transport department continues to advance the collection and sharing of perception data such as under-bridge water monitoring and vehicle positioning. The government has introduced 11 new query services including rental, leasing, and passenger transport. Leveraging Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms, the government provides comprehensive city-wide road parking information and operational records of parking facilities, enhancing transportation and travel information availability. Furthermore, the government has developed and launched new service features such as walking and biking navigation and station connection guidance.
Furthermore, the government continues to improve transportation connection measures of the seven railway stations and two airports in Beijing. Improvements are being made to ride hailing services to assist elderly and disabled individuals. There is also optimization of temporary drop-off areas and parking facilities at tourist attractions, along with an expansion of tourist bus routes to a total of 25 specialized lines.
It is worth mentioning that this year, Beijing uses POS machines that accept payments by foreign bank cards in the subway and buses. During a recent visit, it is found that many subway stations in Beijing have already installed POS machines that accept payments by foreign bank cards. This allows foreign passengers to purchase tickets by swiping their cards at designated stations with the assistance of station staff.
Conduct integrity assessments for 341,900 drivers
In 2023, the transport department launched special initiatives to enhance efficiency in government services, achieving notable outcomes. Specifically, the department implemented the reform of “one license for one industry” in automotive repair, passenger transport, and freight transport sectors. It integrated procedures for approvals such as “special vehicle use permits on urban roads” and “overweight load permits”, handling a total of 287 cases through the one-time approach. Over 80% of transactions were conducted online, and over 30% of applications were processed across different administrative regions. Transportation approval services can now be processed in municipal government service halls, where comprehensive service windows fully handle these services, enabling end-to-end online processing as well.
Last year, the transport department expanded the scope of credit evaluation, conducting integrity assessments on 341,900 drivers. It recorded instances of 642 enterprises and 4,534 vehicles failing to adhere to behaviors like yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks into their “credit records”.
Transportation services have been continuously improved. Last year, the transport department rectified 70 tasks related to transportation connections in the seven railway stations and two airports. The department completed 31 tasks, including integrating buses into services at Qinghe Railway Station, effectively resolving several longstanding challenges. It has focused on continuously improving the transportation connection environment at key stations. Furthermore, efforts are actively underway to develop the model of “public transportation + tourism”. The government have opened 21 new tourist bus routes connecting urban areas with key scenic spots, such as Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs, transporting a total of 169,700 passengers. Additionally, adjustments have been implemented to optimize 71 bus lanes, totaling 656 kilometers and increase the efficiency of social vehicle traffic on the Third Ring Road by 20%. The commuting shuttle buses have reduced their travel times by 10-30 minutes.
The municipal transport department will accelerate the implementation of various reforms, aiming to support transportation services. These efforts are geared towards contributing to the high-quality development of the city’s economy and society through improved transportation services.
