Transport is important to the people and economy of Hong Kong. With a population of over 7.49 million, many millions of dollars could be saved if we spent less time on transport. If everyone in Hong Kong could save 10 minutes per day using an intelligent transport system—in addition to there being better land use and transportation planning—saving just HK$1 per minute could save HK$74.9 million a day and over HK$27.3 billion a year. The amount saved would be significantly higher if we included the time that could be saved in transporting goods. Transport also affects air quality and environmental sustainability. Our energy efficiency and environment would be far better if we used more public transport, mass transit systems, and burned cleaner fuel. Compared with other cities in Asia, Hong Kong has a very good transport system. That said, there is still a great deal of research necessary to improve the efficiency, equity, safety, comfort, services, and environmental friendliness of its transport system. For example, Hong Kong would become more competitive and have a much better living environment if it reduced the level of pollution from its transport system.

 

The transport sector has played a fundamental role in the development of Hong Kong and will continue to do so in the future. Hong Kong’s status as a global city is largely based on its role as a key hub for international air transport and maritime shipping systems. The city’s future development is closely linked to remaining as the leading port of southern China.