While it is evident that an effective public transport system involves more than simply transporting people and goods from one location to another and contributing to the cultivation of personal relationships and enhancing overall social well-being, development strategists concur that this viewpoint provides a simplistic and limited perspective, possibly one focused on consumers.
For those interested in job creation and wealth, a closer look will clearly demonstrate that effective public transport networks enable individuals to access a broader range of job opportunities, even if they reside in areas with limited car access, which could lead to higher employment rates. For businesses and other organisations, this also presents the possibility of locating their operations in areas where they do not need to compete for land and other resources with residential zones where they or their staff must live.
The political and economic ecosystem will also benefit from the jobs created by an effective public transport network and its ability to efficiently transport produced goods and services. This is true for all sectors, but some of the most vivid examples we can cite are those of agriculture, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical companies.
At a conceptual level, establishing an effective public transport system in contemporary society requires those responsible for its design, implementation, and management to recognise that such a system must fulfil specific criteria to be deemed effective and efficient. These criteria include being accessible and universally usable, affordable and reliable, safe and comfortable, integrated and environmentally friendly, and governed by good governance.
A transport system that leaves no room for feedback or complaints or fails to demonstrate that it is making changes based on users’ experiences cannot be considered to be led by the principles of good governance. Similarly, a public transport system designed solely for the poor, rather than the wealthy, or vice versa, or one that does not accommodate older people and the physically challenged, cannot be regarded as universally usable.
In practical terms, Hong Kong’s public transport system is an example from which those offshore willing to build an effective and efficient public transport system can learn and draw inspiration to use as a model.
As if crafted by development strategists or to satisfy development specialists, the public transport system in Hong Kong strikingly integrates efficiency, affordability, and sustainability. It not only facilitates a smooth daily life for residents but also bolsters tourism, commerce, and long-term urban development. The system exemplifies integration, affordability, and reliability, reducing reliance on private vehicles, supporting economic activity, and helping to maintain one of the lowest per capita carbon footprints among developed cities globally.
In Hong Kong, more than 90 percent of daily journeys are made using public transport, one of the highest rates in the world. The system, which serves millions of passengers each day, features a highly developed, safe, and reliable network comprising the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, trams, ferries, minibuses, and taxis. This system is projected to transparently generate over one billion USD by 2025; however, fares remain low, and neither touts, road union transport workers, nor council staff obstruct the transport system.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the backbone of the transport network in Hong Kong. It carries about five million passengers daily and covers urban and suburban areas, including airport and mainland China connections. The trains and railway facilities have multilingual signage, elevators, and facilities for people with disabilities. It has 11 main lines, including the Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line. In a CIAPS poll presented in 2024, users described the MTR as efficient, punctual, clean, air-conditioned and Passenger-friendly.
The bus system carries approximately 3.5 million users daily across over 600 routes, with services operating from early morning to midnight, and some running 24 hours. It serves as a complementary service that covers areas where the MTR does not. The system is managed by a public-private partnership wherein private companies such as KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus), Citybus, and New World First Bus operate a franchise system as contractors to the government. These buses are mostly fully air-conditioned double-decker buses with ample seating spaces that make each trip a pleasure.
Though slower than other forms of transport, the Hong Kong Tramways system remains relevant. It is affectionately known as “Ding Ding” due to the sound of its bells, and it is more than just a means of getting around; it represents an experience that gives you a good view of the people and land of Hong Kong. The Ding Ding is a historic and charming part of Hong Kong’s public transport network. It operates solely on Hong Kong Island and presents a unique blend of nostalgia, practicality, and affordability. One of the oldest electric tramways in the world, it commenced operation in 1904 and is today a fully double-decker tram system. If you ever get to Hong Kong at your will and don’t try the Ding Ding, even if just to say, “I have done it,” there is something wrong with you.
The ferry system in Hong Kong represents both a functional and cultural aspect of the public transport network, making it worthy of study. Over 53,000 people use the ferry system daily, providing commuters with a scenic harbour ride and a unique perspective on the territory’s geography and lifestyle.
Safety, comfort, reliability, connection, and integration of means are more than just useful features for those considering the system offshore. However, Hong Kong’s public transport system also offers numerous examples of how technology can be adopted to achieve efficacy and efficiency in the transport system and urban planning. The system seamlessly serves millions of commuters daily by leveraging innovative digital tools, smart infrastructure, and data-driven systems.
These technologies enhance operational efficiency and enrich the passenger experience, safety, and sustainability. With a single card, the Octopus card, commuters in Hong Kong can hop on and off any mode of the public transport system, and they can even use the card in shops to purchase food, clothing, books, and even booze. Today, those travelling around Hong Kong can obtain real-time information about their journey by using apps and checking the appropriate websites.
Whether these features seem difficult or even impossible to others offshore, it is important to remind everyone that the status achieved by Hong Kong’s public transport system is neither by chance, mystery, nor miracle, but rather the result of a simple yet consistent commitment to a culture of excellence. This culture requires operators and managers of the commonwealth to continually ask how we can improve what we have today.
Join me @anthonykila, if you can, to continue these conversations.
Anthony Kila is a Jean Monnet professor of Strategy and Development. He is currently Institute Director at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, CIAPS, Lagos, Nigeria. He is a regular commentator on the BBC and he works with various organisations on International Development projects across Europe, Africa and the USA. He tweets @anthonykila, and can be reached at anthonykila@ciaps.org
