The Operation Characteristics of Public Transport and Development Suggestions in Dongguan

Prioritizing public transport is crucial for sustainable urban development on a global scale, yet it faces challenges from emerging mobility services and socioeconomic changes following the pandemic. Focusing on Dongguan, this study employs a data-driven approach to analyze bus and rail transit operations using multi-source datasets, including 2021 GPS data, IC card data, rail payment records, and municipal statistics. The analysis reveals systemic deficiencies. Firstly, the modal share is low, at only 4.8%, far below the 50% national target. Secondly, the infrastructure is inadequate. For instance, only 13.7% of bus depots are formal, and the bus ownership is 6.35 units per 10,000 people. Thirdly, the service quality is poor. The average bus speed is 20 km/h, and the punctuality rate is only 60%. Fourthly, the coverage is limited, with 89% accessibility to bus stops within 500 meters. Rail transit remains underdeveloped, with only a single line in operation. It exhibits significant spatial and temporal passenger concentration, with high passenger volumes during peak hours and in certain key areas. The study concludes by proposing evidence-based strategies to: 1) establish a multi-tiered public transport system; 2) enhance multi-modal integration; 3) optimize facilities (including hubs, corridors, and network structure); 4) improve operational service quality; 5) foster transit-oriented spatial development. Near-term implementation priorities identified include rail network expansion, bus network optimization, and critical infrastructure upgrades to facilitate Dongguan’s transition towards a greener, more efficient, and sustainable transportation future.