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MAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ATTRACTIVE
If citizens make a city, public transport is the glue that binds together the citizens of a city. In a city like Hong Kong, if everyone had to worry on their own about how each of them would get to work or school or hospital, the city would never have been able to accommodate so many people. Such a large population can be accommodated because early on, the city decided that they would tackle the issue of transportation collectively. In Hong Kong, using public transportation is like second nature. There are so many options that are convenient and affordable that everyone prefers to use it. Mini buses run frequently within a relatively small area connecting people to larger bus stops or metro stations. Buses and Metro trains allow people to travel long distances rapidly. Airport express connects the airport with major destinations in the city with a swift and efficient service. More affordable modes of public transport includes trams and ferries. The publicly managed escalator is a unique feature which connects the central part of Hong Kong from lower levels to upper levels. Most of the public transport options are paid for through a single mode - the octopus card. The octopus card is a debit card which can be used for public transport and other places like grocery stores, pharmacies etc. The extensive options, affordable price, reliable service and convenience of all these modes of public transport ensure that over 80% of Hong Kong residents use it every day. It forms the backbone of everyday life in the city.
A double decker tram plying in the CBD, part of the tramway system that has been active for more than 100 years. The tracks run along the coastline connecting major neighbourhoods with work areas as well as train stations and ferry terminals. One can pay using the Octopus Smartcard on all transit modes. Image Credits: The authors
June 2017 | CITY OBSERVER139