Gaining plausible knowledge on travel demand data is crucial factor for the calculation of transportation-related energy consumption and GHG emissions. However, the level of understanding of travel demand related issues in China is relatively limited due to lack of data and the relatively short motorization history of China. Moreover, projections of future vehicle use in China are also not adequately addressed.
Therefore, GIZ organised a Technical Workshop on Travel Demand in China – Past trends and future development that aimed to gain expert inputs on the current status as well as forecasts of the future travel demand of China’s transport sector on a national level.
It provided in-depth insights into the issue of travel demand data and methodologies in China. Chinese and international experts discussed impact factors and their effects on future travel demand, presented existing research activities and identified necessary tasks for the future. Moreover, they outlined challenges related to the institutional setting in China and presented possible solution approaches. The challenge of data collection and harmonisation needs governmental support, but remains challenging for the moment. A joint approach of future modelling on a travel demand basis could be outlined during the workshop and will be further developed in coming workshops. Summing up, this workshop is a good input basis for the implementation of further project activities.
The workshop was realised under Sino-German Climate Change Programme. It aims at supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in China. The Programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
