CAI Runlin, HE Zhaoyang, YANG Minming

　　Shanghai Branch, China Academy of Urban Planning & Design, Shanghai 200335, China

　　【Abstract】 In China, the railway passenger flow in major city clusters and metropolitan areas has changed from long-distance, low-frequency, and low-time value to medium-and short-distance, high-frequency, and high-time value. Through a comparison of development experiences of advanced regions in the world, this paper identifies the structural limitations in the layout of regional rail transit network in China’s city clusters. Understanding the four-network integration development will enhance the structure optimization of intercity transportation. Based on the review of urban space and inter-city passenger flow in the Yangtze River Delta, the paper proposes a whole-process travel to serve as the development connotation and identifies the development focus and path of the four-network integration. At the network level, priorities are given to the connection, shared channel, and coordinated operation of intercity railways and municipal (suburban) railways within metropolitan areas and municipal regions. At the terminal level, key focuses include the enhancement of multi-point layout, connection with urban rail transit, and station-city integration that feature low-carbon and efficient green distribution modes. Finally, the paper concludes that the development mechanism of four-network integration should shift from national authority to local guidance. Further exploration and innovation are needed in enterprise operation, cross-regional collaboration, and operational service cooperation.

　　【Keywords】 rail transit; four-network integration; railway terminals; intercity railways; municipal (suburban) railways; Yangtze River Delta

　　【DOI】 10.13813/j.cn11-5141/u.2022.0503-en