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In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework to elucidate transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) in rural China. Drawing from participant observations across 146 villages in Guangdong (2643 rural residents), we illuminate the multifaceted nature of TRSE in Chinese villages. In term of interregional transport challenges, rural residents are socially excluded due to inadequate transport infrastructure and services. In contrast, within the microcosm of intravillage transport, residents adeptly harness available transport resources to craft exclusionary strategies. This emergent form of TRSE, distinct from previous paradigms, sees villagers deploying transport as an instrument to deliberately exclude the Other based on the depth and nuances of their interpersonal relationships. This exclusion manifests through unique characteristics: the nebulous contours of marginalised groups, mutual exclusion between rural residents, ethical ambivalence, and its profound resonance with traditional cultural norms. Given the intricate layers that seem to eclipse the phenomena observed in urban contexts, we underscore the imperative for a more nuanced exploration of TRSE in rural landscapes. • Participant observation of 2643 rural residents in 146 villages in Guangdong • A novel form of exclusion based on the depth and nuances of interpersonal relationships • Villagers deploying transport as an instrument to deliberately exclude others • Transport-related social exclusion in rural China manifests through 4 unique characteristics • The nebulous contours of marginalised groups, mutual exclusion, ethical ambivalence, and resonance with traditional norms • Transport-related social exclusion in rural China is rooted in the bedrock of traditional Chinese culture [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes how national imaginaries of market reforms designed to accommodate fast-growing Chinese regions, collide with embedded formal and informal governance practices in less developed provinces. Whilst much of the literature examines the implications of new infrastructure on regional economics, the management of existing networks dominates decision-making in these more stagnant economies. Using interviews with key stakeholders involved in highway management in Heilongjiang across the provincial and local levels, this paper explores institutional change and persistence using path dependence and junctures as an organising lens. We find that the manner and timing of institutional changes are shaped by the need for political elites in the territorial governing body to reinforce their authority over the vertical functional systems within the jurisdiction. Institutional persistence beneath the changes demonstrates path dependence, related to (a) the vested interests due to power trading and interpersonal relationships and (b) the defence of personnel-related benefits derived from long-standing public institutions. Political and administrative factors rather than economic and technical factors are paramount in influencing transport management and institutional processes in China's less developed provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a lack of clear understanding of the characteristics and correlates of rural residents' access to periodic markets. This study contributes to the new evidence for this by using data from face-to-face interviews with 4777 rural residents from 276 villages across China. The results show that village terrain is substantially associated with access to periodic markets. Rural residents living in the mountain, high plateau, and hilly areas are more likely to travel a long distance to the nearest periodic market than those living in the plain area. The proximity of the town center positively relates to access to periodic markets. In addition, we found a larger number of shop point of interests within a 2000 m circular buffer around the village center associate with better access to the neatest periodic market. These findings offer new insights for policymaking on improving access to periodic markets for residents in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the factors affecting users’ behaviors in a free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) system in China, a survey was conducted in Jiangsu province, China in 2017, and the travel characteristics of FFBS users were analyzed. A binary logistic model was applied to quantify the impact of various variables regarding residents’ usage preference based on 30401 valid questionnaires. The findings show that (1) FFBS was mainly used for short-distance travel in cities, especially for commuting and schooling, and the time period of travel in FFBS coincided with the rush-hour in urban areas; (2) a higher level of education, a higher daily transportation cost, the convenience of picking up and parking, and the contribution to users’ health could promote the usage of FFBS, while malfunctioning bicycles and limited regulations were major obstacles restricting the development of FFBS; (3) interestingly, people with high-incomes rather than those with low-incomes showed an inclination for FFBS owing to the charge mode. This research provides empirical evidence to facilitate the formulation of urban transportation policies and to improve the management of FFBS for the operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]