Land-use/transport Planning in Hong Kong: The End of an Era : a Review of Principles and Practices

Notwithstanding the recent economic and financial difficulties encountered in the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong has experienced phenomenal economic growth and physical transformation as the gateway to China during the 1980s and 1990s. This growth enabled the territory to finance studies, real estate developments and mega transport infrastructure projects on such an extensive scale that it has become the envy of the region. So much so that many of the experiences of the transport infrastructure and land use development in the territory become models for other cities in the region. The successes and failures of these plans and projects have thus taken on a significance that go beyond Hong Kong's territorial boundaries. As a result of the dominant role played by an efficient and financially viable public transport system, the prevalence of a low motor vehicle ownership level, and the existence of a compact and high density urban structure, many international experts suggest that Hong Kong has a great deal to offer in the global search for sustainable urban development and transport strategies.