OPINION> Commentary
Fewer jams on way to work
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-17 07:31

If the special and temporary arrangement of staggering working hours during the Olympic Games works efficiently, then we may turn it into a normal and long-term practice, says an article in Beijing Times. The following is an excerpt:

To ease traffic jams during normal peak hours, Beijing will stagger working hours and change the timings for commercial businesses from July 20 to September 20 when the Olympics and Paralympics are being held.

In fact, the author suggested the same measures, too, to a traffic-relieving opinion solicitation several years ago. The influx of rural workers and the increase in the number of cars are much faster than the extension of the city's size. It is important to figure out the best plan with both social benefit and cost being taken into account.

Except for special festivals or holidays, traffic congestion only lasts about four hours a day in cities because almost all industries run on an identical timetable. And if different timetables can be set and staggered, by which roads would have more time and space for a smooth traffic, we need to first do research in order to see and compare the convenience with the inconvenience such an arrangement brings to different people.

This Olympic-driven measure gives us a chance to quantify and calculate its gains and losses. And if it claims little social cost and benefits the people greatly, we can seek further for the possibility of some legislation so the efficiency-improving means can be promoted to and benefit the whole country. Otherwise, it can just remain a special measure.

(China Daily 07/17/2008 page8)