These huge projects are expected to curb the trend of the economic slowdown and will also improve China's transport network. It's also a big concern for many people if the transportation sector can simultaneously speed up the reform of its problematic operational mode.

There are so many corruption cases involved in transportation infrastructure projects, costing enormous amounts. The situation is worsened by numerous jerry-built projects, which explains why repair work never stops after some highways open to traffic.

China ranks first in terms of toll fees worldwide. Apart from the charges on the books, the country's road network is riddled with arbitrary charges and fines. To some extent, it is the driving public who are feeding highway operators and they are major investors in road construction over the past three decades.

It's time to let the public benefit from convenient public transportation. Otherwise, even if the whole country was connected by expressways, people would still not enjoy the convenience that a super transport network brings.

China Youth Daily

Exposing Social Protests Beneficial

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, a group of 30 people in Longnan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, who allegedly were to be forced to resettle because of planned relocation of the municipal government, protested at local government offices on November 17. After more people got involved, some petitioners attacked government buildings, destroyed cars and facilities and injured several police officers on duty, the report cited sources in the Gansu Provincial Government as saying. Local officials said that the Longnan Municipal Government's relocation plan had not been approved by the Central Government.

For years, whenever unrest erupts, the first thing many local governments did was cover it up.

Reasons given for this practice always were that relevant reports might damage social stability or some time was needed to clarify the situation. The consequence of deliberate cover-up is widespread rumors, making things even more complicated.

In Longnan's case, the local government quickly reported the situation to the public through the media. The result is that rumors disappeared and the public strengthened their trust in the government.

To cover up unrest reflects the government's timidity in dealing with social problems, while the exposure and quick settlement of related problems reflect its confidence. The Longnan Municipal Government's move shows progress.

Qilu Evening News