In what is clearly another step in right direction for a program based approach to sustainability, officials have announced that it will extends vehicle limits for another year.

Fantastic.

further, there are some updates to the program that suggest they have been taking the time to learn and improve the program, another good sign which I believe indicates this programs will be a long term one:

For private cars, the new ban is only effective from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., compared to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. under the current rule. The restrictions remain in effect round the clock for government and corporate vehicles.

Residents will be allowed to drive on the Fifth Ring Road throughout the week.

Also, owners will have the same “off-day” for 13 weeks in a row as opposed to just four weeks. The new rotation was designed to reduce confusion.

Also encouraging is to see that the program has been monitored, and have created some measurable results.:

Figures released by the Beijing Transportation Research Center (BTRC) last week showed that traffic jams were reduced by five hours and 15 minutes a day during the six months since the post-Olympics restrictions have been in effect. Vehicular emissions were reduced by 375 tonnes, or 10 percent, every day.

all good news.