Title: Transport sustainability in Hong Kong: safeguarding its future

Authors: Sharon Cullinane

Addresses: Centre of Urban Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Hong Kong, 8/F Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Abstract: By most definitions of sustainable transport, Hong Kong is currently at the sustainable end of the spectrum because of its low levels of car ownership and use and concomitantly high levels of use of public transport. This paper argues, however, that there are two major threats to this position. The first is the increasing extent of the integration with the Chinese Mainland and the subsequent diminution of the strength of the borders between Hong Kong and the Mainland. The second is the aspirations and intentions of young Hong Kong residents to become car owners in the future. Without increased measures to curb car ownership and use, it is argued that the sustainability of Hong Kong|s transport could easily decline, leading particularly to massive problems of environmental pollution.

Keywords: transport sustainability; Hong Kong; car dependence; environmental pollution, car ownership; sustainable transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2004.004698

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2004 Vol.3 No.2, pp.111 - 119

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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