China's rapid transformation from the bicycle kingdom to a realm of cars has created many transportation problems. Traffic jams are one of the most pressing ones. That's why a group of decision makers and experts are converging in Beijing looking for ways to the problem.

A little bit of drizzle is all you need to paralyze traffic in Beijing.

Many drivers sat through the horrible jam in late September for hours.

Repeated snarls on major routes are becoming the new traffic pattern in Beijing.

CCTV reporter Shen Le said,“There are more than 17 million people in the city and more than 4.8 million cars. Keeping the roads clear is a serious challenge for local authorities.”

This is why decision makers and experts are raising the question of urban traffic planning at a transportation workshop held in Beijing.

To some, the answer lies in public transportation.

Tyrrell Duncan, Director, EATC concurrently Practice Leader, ADB, said, "A public transportation system has to be modern, efficient, affordable and attractive to people."

But buses and subway trains can be extremely crowded, making public transport less desirable, especially for people who have an alternative.

Yang Bo, Car Owner, said, "I can afford a car, taking the buses takes too much time. Saving time is saving money isn't it?"

Research shows that drivers in Beijing face an average extra expense of three-hundred yuan due to congestion each month. But experts believe money is of the least concern.

Tyrrell Duncan said, "The real economic loss is time wasted...which we also value greatly. "

But for decision makers, there's no time to waste.

With almost two thousand new cars hitting the road every day, Beijing is expected to have more than seven million cars by 2015.

Without a comprehensive solution, the city's roads are likely to become permanent parking lots.

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