Posted 1/16/2024, 1:00:18 PM
Chinese City Named and Shamed for $1.3 Billion 'White Elephant' Tram System Plagued by Low Use and High Costs
- Chinese city Tianshui named and shamed for building expensive, underutilized tram system that cost $1.3 billion
- Tram line plagued by low ridership, high operating costs, construction issues, and traffic problems
- Project seen as wasteful "white elephant" spending by local governments pursuing short-term goals
- Tianshui case highlighted along with others as ignoring fiscal realities and increasing local debt burdens
- Reflects China's broader crackdown on excess spending and push for more sustainable development