中国公交车：每年亏损2000亿，但不可替代

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and current state of public transportation in China, particularly focusing on buses, highlighting their importance despite facing challenges and declining ridership [5][10][14]. Group 1: Current State of Public Transportation - Public transportation, especially buses, is experiencing a decline in ridership due to increased private vehicle ownership and the expansion of metro systems [10][11]. - In 2022, the operational capacity of China's bus system dropped to half of what it was in 2014, with many cities reporting significant financial losses [12][13]. - Local governments collectively subsidize bus systems with approximately 200 billion yuan annually to maintain operations [12]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Buses - Buses are often seen as a last resort for commuters, with average speeds across the country at only 29 km/h, leading to long commute times [21][22]. - In cities like Beijing, over 58% of commuters need to travel across districts, spending an average of 86 minutes daily on buses [22]. - Traffic congestion is exacerbated by inefficient bus stop placements and frequent stops, which slow down overall traffic flow [24][25][28]. Group 3: Importance of Buses in Rural Areas - Buses play a crucial role in rural areas, providing essential transportation for small farmers to sell their produce, despite operating at a loss [51][52]. - The average annual loss for a bus line in China is around 230,000 yuan, with specialized routes for farmers facing even higher operational costs [51]. - These "farmer buses" are vital for the livelihoods of many, allowing them to access markets directly and improve their income [53]. Group 4: Government Support and Pricing - China's bus ticket prices remain low, typically between 1 to 2 yuan, contrasting sharply with prices in countries like the US and Japan, where fares can reach 10 to 30 yuan [56][59]. - The government maintains a policy of freezing bus fares and subsidizing losses to ensure public transport remains affordable [63]. - This approach has led to a unified public transport system across cities, providing essential services to residents [64]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The article suggests that while buses may seem marginalized, they continue to adapt and serve essential functions within urban infrastructure [66]. - The integration of bus systems with metro lines in cities like Shenzhen demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban transport [40][44].