…Government urged to adopt successful strategies from Shanghai’s transportation model
As developing countries aims to enhance their transportation infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve the lives of citizens, experts are now looking to the bustling city of Shanghai for inspiration. With its efficient and integrated transport system, Shanghai has become a global leader in urban transportation – and Ghana could greatly benefit from adopting some of its successful strategies.
Shanghai has an extensive public transport system, mostly based on metros, buses and taxis. Payment for all these public transportation fares can be made by using the Shanghai Public Transportation Card. Shanghai’s rapid transit system, Shanghai Metro, incorporates both subway and light railway lines and extend to every core urban district as well as neighbouring suburban districts. As of the 2010 World Expo, there are twelve metro lines (including the Shanghai Maglev Train), 273 stations and over 420 km of tracks in operation, making it the longest network in the world. On October 22, 2010, it set a record of daily ridership of 7.548 million. The fare depends on the length of travel distance and generally varies from 3 to 18 RMB (Shanghai Transportation: Road, Railway, Air, n.d.)
Why is Shanghai/China always developing its transportation system? What are the roles of institutions, technological changes, and evolutionary stages in shaping economic growth? These are questions which concern the policies of a developing country such as Ghana. Therefore, Ghana can learn from Shanghai to strengthen its economy. This based on my experience, empirical assessment of the transportation system in China and Ghana – and the fact that Shanghai’s population is almost the same as Ghana’s.
One key example of Ghana’s transportation systems is the ongoing State Transport Corporation (STC) buses in Ghana, which can be associated with Shanghai’s successful BRT system as this initiative aims to provide efficient and reliable public transportation to reduce congestion and improve travel times. The BRT system in Shanghai has dedicated bus lanes, modern stations and a smart-ticketing system, making it an attractive alternative to private vehicles. Hence, Ghana STC can improve their system considering the above-mentioned systems.
Despite the transportation system not meeting its demand, it is is contributing highly to the economic development of China. Some of its contributing advantages are:
Rapid development of second and third industries
Through the implementation of resource sharing and industrial gradient transfer, railroads have improved intercity economic integration – consequently encouraging industry optimisation. As the financial capital of China, Shanghai has very few agricultural industries; but its population growth has increased its demand for agricultural products. Shanghai Railways’ lines are connected to other cities with agricultural industries to mitigate this issue. The existing Mpakadan Railway line can be designed so that farmers in the Eastern corridor can transport agricultural products to Accra (with fewer farmers). On the other hand, this line can be used to transport finished items, such as Kasapreko products, to cities.
Employment and security
During the economic downturn, the construction of railways in China generated a large amount of employment and boosted demand for the construction, steel and cement industries, which temporarily stimulated economic growth. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway employed 110,000 individuals (TCT, 2004). In addition to industries, the operation and daily administration of Shanghai’s railways employs a large number of people. Governments in Ghana are encouraged to hire local residents for road and rail construction projects. This would foster the decentralisation of central government employment opportunities. In addition to providing employment, this strategy would reduce larceny on construction sites because community members would, directly and indirectly, benefit from the structures.
Urbanisation
The rail construction has brought about a new form of urbanisation. Small and medium-sized cities in Shanghai that were previously obscure or unknown have become popular tourist destinations as a result of an increase in the number of passengers using certain railway lines. For example, the line 16 metro in Shanghai has attracted the majority of people to visit beautiful places (Dishui Lake, Sky Street, etc.) in Lingang, while Lingang residents are able to visit the amazing places (The Band, world second-tallest tower) within the city. The Ghanaian government should construct railways or highways to communities with tourist attractions and factories. Examples include the Accra to Cape Coast railway, Accra to Kwahu highway, and Accra to Akim Oda via Swedru highway. This would diminish Accra’s population, increase tourism and facilitate settlement along these lines.
To further improve Ghana’s transport system and achieve tangible economic gains, several actionable actions and policies can be implemented:
Invest in infrastructure:
Government should prioritise investment in transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public transportation facilities. By expanding and upgrading existing infrastructure, Ghana can improve connectivity and attract more investments.
Introduce integrated ticketing systems:
Ghana can learn from Shanghai’s success in implementing integrated ticketing systems which allow passengers to use a single card for various modes of transportation. This simplifies the commuting experience, encourages greater usage of public transport, and reduces congestion.
Promote electric mobility:
As part of a sustainable transportation strategy, Ghana should encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and invest in charging infrastructure. Shanghai has made significant strides in promoting EVs, and Ghana can follow suit to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Enhance traffic management:
Efficient traffic management is vital for a well-functioning transportation system. Ghana should invest in intelligent traffic management systems, including smart traffic lights, real-time traffic monitoring, and data analytics to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Encourage public-private partnerships:
Collaboration between government and the private sector can accelerate transportation development. Ghana should actively seek partnerships with reputable international transport companies, neighbouring countries and experts to leverage their experience and resources in improving the country’s transport system.
By adopting these actionable actions and policies, Ghana can pave the way for a modern, efficient and sustainable transportation system that will stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Learning from Shanghai’s success in transforming its transport infrastructure, Ghana has the potential to become a shining example of effective urban transportation in Africa.
Government must prioritise this issue and commit to a long-term vision for transportation development. By leveraging international best practices and tailoring them to suit Ghana’s unique needs, the nation can create a transportation system that propels it toward a brighter future.
As the sun rises on a new era of transportation in Ghana, the time has come to emulate the Shanghai transport system for economic gains. The journey begins now.
The writer is a Ph.D student of Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Civil Engineering (Transportation)
