The economic growth–travel frequency nexus in China: Importance of the transport Kuznets curve

This study pioneers the analysis of transport Kuznets curve (TKC) for passengers in 31 Chinese provinces using data from 1980 to 2018 and a comprehensive non‐parametric econometric analysis approach. The empirical analysis finds convergence among most of the provinces in terms of travel frequency and economic growth, as well as the nexus between the variables. There is a non‐linear positive effect of economic growth on travel frequency in all 31 provinces, and evidence for the existence of TKC – in full or in part – in 30 provinces. The study provides the initial motivation for policymakers to undertake policies and projects commensurate with each province's transport growth nexus.