This paper describes the effect of the deregulation of transport in China which dates from the Economic Reform Policy of 1978. Figures are given for the distribution of freight and passenger transport between modes and how this has changed in the last 10 years. With rising incomes and increasing mobility a lack of transport capacity was becoming a problem. The growth of private truck, bus and waterway transport is described. The services provided by public and private operators are compared and the complex system of pricing is considered. State companies are coping with competition while capacity is limited. It is anticipated that they may adopt a co-ordinating role or sub-leasing system in the future. Problems of rail capacity are ascribed to planned consignments of coal and to under-pricing.
Abstract