China
Beijing
UMR Index Rank
#20
(+11)
Score: 59%
Sustainable Mobility
#25
(-5)
Score: 57.2%
Public Transit
#21
(+10)
Score: 58.1%
Technology Adoption
#4
Score: 65.8%
| Population | 20.5 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 4,284 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 4,794 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 27,463 |
UMR Index Rank
#20
(+11)
Score: 59%
Sustainable Mobility
#25
(-5)
Score: 57.2%
Public Transit
#21
(+10)
Score: 58.1%
Technology Adoption
#4
Score: 65.8%
What Beijing Does Well In Urban Mobility
Beijing ranks 20th in the 2024 Urban Mobility Readiness Index and excels in innovation, ranking fourth on this year’s Technology Adoption sub-index.
The city has high-quality universities and research initiatives in artificial intelligence and machine learning with a focus on mobility. Beijing invests heavily in new technology solutions, including connected and autonomous vehicles, zero-emission buses, and electric vehicles (EVs). The country has become a global leader in EV market share in sales through purchase incentives and significant investments in charging stations. The Chinese government announced in 2023 a further acceleration of charging station installation, according to reports.
Beijing’s roads are relatively safe and well- connected, and its regional connectivity is strengthened by China’s excellent rail network. Road connectivity is also being enhanced: In 2023 the city began construction of what will become China’s longest highway tunnel through its sub-center, an area east of the city that is being developed to relieve pressure on the city center. The tunnel spans 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles).
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Beijing’s Transportation System
While the quality of Beijing’s existing walking infrastructure is relatively good, the city lacks extensive pedestrian walkways and lags behind regional leaders like Hong Kong on cycling infrastructure. Moreover, the city’s considerable sprawl and hilly terrain pose further challenges, impacting walkability and cycling adoption.
Beijing still falls short on sustainability indicators such as air quality as well as noise and light pollution. The city is highly congested, with traffic fluidity lagging behind Shanghai, causing residents to complain about pollution. A national plan for 2025 aims to lower noise pollution from transportation, according to reports. Furthermore, a reported plan from the surrounding Hebei Province aims to reduce levels of severely polluted air by 2025. Beijing also lags in its development of sustainable energy. Coal has long been a major source of electricity generation for the city. Despite some progress, such as the closure of four coal- fired power plants in recent years, the carbon intensity of Beijing’s electricity generation remains high. In 2024 the Chinese government announced an approximately ¥54.5 billion ($7.7 billion) investment in wind and solar energy projects to power its capital.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Beijing Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Given the city’s sprawl, many Beijing residents face lengthy walks to subway stations and bus stops, despite the efficient transit system. Beijing can add bus routes and stops to help connect residents with subway lines — a cost- effective improvement that would help lower walking distances and overall commute times. Extending existing subway lines and adding new line options will be essential, but this effort will require significant time and investment.
To improve walkability and cycling adoption, Beijing can increase the number of maintained pedestrian paths and bike lanes, ideally with safety dividers on main roadways to ensure safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Providing e-bike subsidies also can help limit geographic barriers and increase cycling accessibility. Investing in the expansion of private bike- sharing services, including more stations, bikes, and e-bikes, can further support cyclists throughout the city. Lastly, reducing noise pollution can make bike and foot journeys more enjoyable and can stimulate adoption.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley