Before arriving in China, I had heard much about its high-speed trains and sprawling cities, but nothing quite prepared me for how seamlessly everything functions together.

Public transportation here doesn’t just move people – it empowers them.

From subways and high-speed rail (HSR) to ride-hailing apps and bike-sharing systems, China’s infrastructure is impressively fast, affordable and well-organised.

Take the Beijing Subway, for instance. With 27 lines and over 500 stations, it is one of the busiest metro systems in the world, yet it runs with remarkable efficiency and punctuality.

However, traffic regulations appear to be less strictly observed. Pedestrians often cross at zebra crossings even when the light is red, and some vehicles continue through crossings despite green pedestrian signals – posing risks to both walkers and cyclists.

This occurs despite the presence of hundreds of surveillance cameras monitoring the roads.

Smarter Transportation Integration – All in One App

Navigating China’s vast cities has never been easier, thanks to real-time updates on apps like Baidu Maps and AMAP.

Fares are remarkably affordable – starting as low as 1 yuan (about 60 sen) for short bicycle rides and 3 yuan (around RM2) for a subway trip – all payable through contactless methods like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Need a bus? Just check AMAP or Baidu Maps. Want a ride? Didi appears within seconds. Fancy a bike ride along tree-lined lanes? Shared bicycles are readily available, even in less touristy areas. Looking for an e-scooter? Just scan and go.

While Malaysia is making progress with platforms like Touch ‘n Go and Grab eWallet, the experience remains fragmented. Separate apps for MRT access, ride-hailing, and parking mean that travel is not yet as fluid or integrated.

Effortless Transportation – Beyond the Mega Cities

In Beijing, the subway system runs like clockwork, with stations so well-connected that transferring between lines feels almost effortless.

What truly struck me, however, was that this level of convenience isn’t confined to China’s mega cities.

I recently had the chance to visit Inner Mongolia under a programme organised by the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC), and even in Hohhot – the capital of the autonomous region – the transportation experience was just as smooth.

The journey from bustling Beijing to the serene steppes of Hohhot was a masterclass in transport efficiency.

It began at Beijing North Station, where I boarded the HSR to Hohhot. The train was punctual, comfortable and incredibly fast – covering the 400-km distance in just 2.5 hours.

For comparison, that’s almost the same time it takes to drive or go by train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, a journey spanning just 200 km.

The HSR train reached speeds of 250 to 300 km per hour, yet the ride was so smooth I could work on my laptop without any disruption.

What stood out further was the quality of infrastructure in Hohhot and even in Ulanqab. Roads were immaculate – no potholes, no uneven patches, just smooth driving surfaces. And bike lanes were clearly marked and dedicated – not only in city centres but even on the outskirts – making cycling both safe and convenient.

Of course, it might be unrealistic to expect widespread daily cycling in Malaysia, given our hot and humid climate.

The encouraging news is that Malaysia is making strides. The upcoming MRT3 line, continued improvements to the Electric Train Service (ETS), and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) – slated to begin operations in June 2026 – signal promising progress.

However, to truly elevate the commuter experience, Malaysia would benefit from enhanced last-mile connectivity – such as dedicated lanes for bicycles and e-scooters, walkable paths, and a unified digital platform integrating all transport modes into a single app. Such advancements would go a long way in making daily travel smoother, smarter, and more accessible.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.