Bus in Vancouver - Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

When comparing the quality of transportation between Vancouver and Beijing, the transportation in Beijing is approximately the same standard as that in Vancouver. The transit systems in both cities provide a comfortable environment, good service and a human focused design. However, when comparing crowd levels, Vancouver’s transportation is substantially better than Beijing. Due to the population in Beijing being so much larger than Vancouver, the public transportation in Beijing is extremely crowded. Especially during the peak hours, the situation becomes worse.

When it comes to price, the result is reversed; the transportation in Vancouver is quite a bit more expensive than in Beijing. Unlike Vancouver, the zones for transportation in Beijing are quite large and the distances are really far. Usually a one-zone ticket is enough for one’s daily activities. Similar to Vancouver, bus, trolley bus, subway (sky train in Vancouver), and train are components of the transport system in Beijing. There is a significant difference in how to buy tickets in Beijing and Vancouver. Nowadays, people in Beijing usually buy a special card only for the bus and subway, and they load a small amount of money onto the card. Every time passengers get on a bus or enter a subway station, they just need to scan the card. Once the card is out of money, they have to load more money so that they can still use the card. However, in Vancouver, people can either buy a monthly fare pass or buy a ticket every time they need it.

Bus in Beijing - Image Courtesy of AaverageJoe on Flickr

Compared to Vancouver’s transportation system, the transportation in Beijing is less considerate of people with disabilities and of cyclists. Not every bus in Beijing has a ramp for disabled people. Also, it is impossible to carry a bicycle onto the bus in my city. However, every bus in Vancouver has a ramp for people with disabilities to get on and a rack in front of the bus, where cyclists can load their bikes. When it comes to service, the bus drivers in Beijing are just about equal to the bus drivers in Vancouver.

Approximately: Adjective, near or approaching a certain state.

Components: Noun, a constituent part, element or ingredient.

Substantially: Adjective, an ample or considerable amount.