MORE than 1 million Shenzhen residents had pledged by Oct. 30 to leave their private cars at home during the APEC meeting week from Nov. 16 to 20, as the city seeks to ease congestion and encourage greener travel.

The voluntary “Green Travel, Smooth Traffic” initiative, launched Oct. 15, encourages motorists to switch to public transportation, cycling or walking during the week. The 1 million milestone came 15 days after the campaign began.

The campaign drew more than 20,000 registrations in its first three hours, and participation reached 500,000 by Oct. 24. By Oct. 30, more than 1 million vehicles had been registered for temporary suspension from use.

Traffic police have held outreach events in residential communities, shopping areas, businesses and industrial parks to help residents sign up and learn about the initiative.

Participants can receive commemorative car stickers featuring the black-faced spoonbill, an endangered migratory bird that is highly sensitive to changes in its habitat. The bird is considered an indicator of ecological health and was chosen as the image for the APEC green-travel souvenir. Shenzhen Bay is the world’s second-largest habitat for black-faced spoonbills, according to the campaign.

The stickers are available at designated gas stations, charging stations and other locations through Dec. 31, except from Nov. 16 to 20.

The initiative is part of the city’s broader effort to manage traffic during the APEC meetings. Officials hope it will also encourage residents to choose greener ways to travel in their daily lives.

(SD News)