The EcoMobility SHIFT+ is a methodology designed for cities to measure the performance in urban mobility and make informed decisions based on the areas that need improvement. Kaili is a central regional city of eastern China’s Guizhou Province, the epicenter of the economic zone, and also rich in cultural diversity, predominantly the ethnic minority Miao and Dong group.

Kaili City gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Kaili Public Bus Group, traffic police, and other stakeholders, to form the EcoMobility SHIFT+ Working Group. The Group’s task is to analyze the transport system and discussed the short- and long-term interventions. ICLEI’s Sustainable Mobility team moderated the stakeholder discussions and provided tailored feedbacks to the city. The process is also supported by the China Academy of Transportation Sciences (CATS) under Ministry of Transportation of China.

The EcoMobility SHIFT+ indicator score for Kaili is 78%, shows that a positive enabling environment exists with good examples, although several challenges exist. The success is primarily due to the reliable implementation to execute plans and enforce transport policies with the support of the national government. Furthermore, the smaller size of the city increases management capacity and robustness, making each sustainable transport interventions more impactful.

Kaili serves as an example for many smaller cities in the world of how proactive planning makes sustainable mobility a reality, despite the increasing affluence of the residents.