Having investigated transport in England and North America in depth, the focus now shifts to locations further afield. Thanks to detailed input from Bridget Coila in Beijing and Karin-Marijke Vis in Suriname, transportation in these two distant holiday destinations comes under the spotlight.
Beijing, China
Bridget reports that a significant investment was made generally in the Beijing infrastructure before the Olympics of 2010. Any Olympic city will have to consider its transport arrangements, if only due to the sheer numbers of athletes and visitors added to the usual commuters who still have to work normally for the duration of the Games.
It is impossible to access any official Chinese website relating to Beijing’s transport, but ChinaHighlights.com details the system as it stands after the Olympic investment. Beijing’s public transport, no matter how good, will always be crowded. In a city of around 17.5 million people, this is a fact of life.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the layout above ground, the city has one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, although in some areas, stations are quite widely spaced. This downside is negated by the even wider coverage afforded by the bus network, which reaches most areas of the city with a frequency of 10-20 minutes. (Stagecoach in England should perhaps take note?)
The bus network employs conductor-style assistants who ensure – by yelling at pedestrians and passengers – that those outside the bus afford it a smooth journey and those inside behave with decency towards fellow passengers, giving up seats to elderly travelers and those with children.
The subways stop relatively early for a major metropolis, around 10.30-11.00pm, but the buses and cabs are available for longer. During the rush hours, the subways are so full that people have to be pushed onto the trains in order to allow the doors to close. Like some of the London tube stations, there are lengthy walks between platforms and lines.
Paramaribo, Suriname
Over 9,000 miles east of Beijing, across several continents and an ocean, is the South American country of Suriname.
Karin-Marijke, a Dutch lady travelling in South America with her partner, speaks about public transport in the country from personal experience. It is a unique solution for a unique situation and perfectly fits the surroundings.
In common with most countries, there is a national bus company which runs in the capital Paramaribo, and from there to all other areas. In a remarkable relaxed fashion, the company does not operate a schedule, buses simply leave for the stated destination when they are full. For those preferring somewhat more predictable travel, a network of private companies provide a standard scheduled service, although this will cost travelers more.
Because Suriname has an extensive river system, boats are widely used as transport for both freight and passengers. The postboot, or mail boat, primarily delivers mail, packages and goods but also accepts passengers, for a fee. In the interior of the country, where there are no roads, the best way to get around is in a korjaal, a dugout canoe. There is no set fee structure, those wishing to use a service negotiate the price with the owner of the boat at the time of travel.
Karin-Marijke Vis has also written on public transport in South America, covering the systems in Bolivia and Argentina’s Buenos Aires.
Two radically different approaches to mass transit serve the same purpose; to move people around the area. Beijing has worked hard to upgrade its infrastructure, as China grows in world stature, whilst Suriname's answer is perfectly suited to the more relaxed way of life in the South American country.
Sources:
ChinaHighlights.com - website, accessed 9 October 2011.
Nationaal Vervoer Bedrijf n.v., Suriname's national bus company - website, accessed 9 October 2011.
Paula Thomas - Paula is, among other things, an editor & proofreader. She also enjoys technology - retro or modern - travel, music, motorsport and ...
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