Will License Plate Limits Solve Ulaanbaatar’s Traffic Congestion?

Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia, is facing a mounting challenge: crippling traffic congestion. To combat this issue, the city will stop issuing new Ulaanbaatar license plates to newly imported vehicles starting November 8th, 2024. While intended to alleviate gridlock, the decision unveils deeper frustrations about urban planning, public transportation, and government responsiveness.

With 785,000 registered vehicles – surpassing the City Council's target limit of 730,000 – Ulaanbaatar's roads are at a standstill.