Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics of Logistics Transportation Structure Transformation and Traffic Congestion: Evidence from 45 Major Chinese Cities 2015-2021

The research results indicate that: (a) In terms of time, the upgrading of logistics transportation structure - manifested as an increase in the railway ratio of passenger transport (railway passenger volume relative to road) and freight transport (railway freight volume relative to road) - showed sustained growth during the observation period, while traffic congestion showed marginal relief.

Both phenomena exhibit regional heterogeneity characteristics. (b) In terms of space, the transformation of logistics structure and traffic congestion have led to a club convergence pattern, which limits short-term cross cluster mobility. Specifically, the logistics structure hierarchy of eastern and central cities is on the rise, while western cities are regressing to lower tier cities.