It may seem counterintuitive, but the Chinese megacity of Shanghai—with its staggering population of over 24 million people—experiences less traffic congestion than the South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, despite being more densely populated. This difference lies not in the number of people, but in how the cities are designed and how people move around within them.

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Shanghai is one of the largest urban centres in the world, its population alone accounting for more than a third of South Africa’s total population. Yet, unlike the increasingly gridlocked streets of Cape Town or Johannesburg, Shanghai has developed a transportation ecosystem that keeps its roads relatively free-flowing—even during peak hours.

A City Built Around Public Transport

One of Shanghai’s greatest advantages is its efficient, affordable, and expansive public transportation network. The city boasts an impressive metro rail system with multiple intersecting lines that span nearly every corner of the metropolis. Trains arrive regularly, and fares are kept low by design—starting at around R10 and capped at about R25, no matter how far you travel beyond 10 stations.

This pricing model, combined with ease of access and frequency, makes the metro system the go-to choice for millions of commuters daily. In contrast, South Africa’s flagship urban rail system—the Gautrain—has been criticized for high ticket prices and limited routes. The Gautrain connects only a few major urban hubs, such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, and OR Tambo International Airport, and often requires additional transport for the “last mile,” reducing its convenience.

Road Design and Infrastructure

Shanghai’s roadways are built to handle large volumes of traffic. Multi-lane streets are the norm, and many roads include dedicated bus or two-wheeler lanes. This layout encourages the use of alternative transport modes and minimizes car dependency. The result is a more balanced distribution of vehicles, buses, bicycles, and motorbikes on the road, which prevents overwhelming congestion.

In comparison, Cape Town’s unique topography—hemmed in by mountains and the sea—creates natural bottlenecks and restricts road expansion. Johannesburg, while geographically less constrained, struggles with high vehicle density and limited alternative transport infrastructure. Both cities lack the layered road systems and separate bus or cycle lanes that are common in Shanghai.

Proactive Traffic Management

Shanghai also deploys active traffic control measures, especially during peak hours. Police officers are stationed at major intersections to prevent bottlenecks and ensure orderly flow. Even during high-traffic events, such as the Shanghai Auto Show, vehicles continue to move—albeit slowly—without the complete gridlock seen in Cape Town during stadium events or Johannesburg during rush hour.

In South Africa, incidents like a trip from Centurion to Sandton taking over two hours for a 40km journey on the N1 are not uncommon. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Cape Town ranks among the top 10 most congested cities worldwide, with drivers losing an average of 94 hours annually in traffic. Johannesburg fares slightly better at 55 hours lost, but both figures point to deep inefficiencies in traffic flow and urban planning.

A Culture of Mass Transit

Shanghai’s public transport is deeply integrated into daily life. Large buses are common, and taxis are widely used, reducing the number of single-occupant vehicles. Moreover, metro tickets are easy to purchase and use, with simple machine interfaces and a ticketing system that requires a scan to enter and exit.

By contrast, South African commuters often lack viable alternatives. Public buses and minibus taxis fill the gap, but these systems are fragmented, less reliable, and in some cases, unsafe. Without a cohesive mass transit culture and supporting infrastructure, private car use becomes the default, further burdening the roads.

Shanghai’s relative lack of traffic congestion isn’t a miracle—it’s the result of deliberate planning, massive infrastructure investment, and a commitment to public transport. It shows that high population density doesn’t automatically translate to clogged roads. Instead, it highlights how smart city design, accessible transit, and proactive traffic management can make urban life smoother—even in one of the world’s most populous cities.

South African cities can draw important lessons from Shanghai’s example. Improving public transport accessibility, expanding transit routes, and investing in road infrastructure could help reduce the daily frustrations of traffic and make commuting more efficient and affordable for millions.