Ulaanbaatar is on the brink of total immobility. The recent paralyzing congestion offered a glimpse into the city's worsening traffic crisis.
With vehicle numbers exploding amid unconstrained growth, Ulaanbaatar seems destined to join the ranks of Asia's most gridlocked cities.
Blaming politicians alone misses the scope of the challenge. No doubt, corruption and poor planning exacerbate congestion. But cultural attitudes obstruct solutions too.
Many citizens view car ownership as an inviolable right and spurn any inconveniences like tolls or parking fees. Without shifting this mindset, progress is impossible.
The numbers paint a dire picture. Vehicle registrations have doubled in a decade to over 700,000.
Studies predict rush hour speeds plummeting to just 5 km/hr by 2025, down from 20-30 km/hr today.
Over 80,000 taxis now ply the roads daily. Traffic already erodes 9% of GDP accoding to the Ulaanbaatar's mayor office. Bold actions are vital, however unpopular.
The mayor recently proposed downtown tolls of up to $8 to ease congestion. While reasonable given looming gridlock, the tolls face public resistance over costs and perceived elitism.
Voters often punish leaders advocating short-term pain for long-term gain.
Still, with congestion accelerating rapidly, inaction is not an option. Banning private vehicles from the city center may now merit consideration after the recent extreme gridlock.
Though controversial, the public may have hit its breaking point.
Infrastructure projects like a metro can help long-term but remain distant prospects. Congestion pricing warrants immediate debate.
Technical fixes need public buy-in to succeed. Achieving that demands reshaping attitudes on mobility. Car dependence must be reduced and inconveniences accepted.
Pragmatic citizens offer a model, focusing not on venting but creatively adapting through podcasts or learning while stuck in jams.
With congestion still worsening, such mental flexibility is crucial.
Ulaanbaatar is losing its battle against gridlock. But a mix of policy boldness, infrastructure investment and cultural change remains its best hope.
The crisis mandates action regardless of political risks. Difficult choices lie ahead, but the alternative is catastrophic immobility.