The development of ferry services in Hong Kong and its impacts on urban and regional areas

Abstract

A ferry service has existed in Hong Kong for more than 170 years. It was a symbol of Hong Kong's public transport development. In the past, the ferry was the main transport mode within Hong Kong territory. Ferries can enhance residents’ social mobility, demonstrate sovereignty, and facilitate sustainable economic development. However, there has been a dramatic decline in ferry transport since the 1970s. The chapter undertakes a historical review of Hong Kong ferry evolution since the twentieth century. The study discusses how the existing ferry service struggled to accommodate new demand and the emergence of modernisation. In addition, a holistic approach is taken to study how ferry services facilitate regional integration in Hong Kong and describe how better maritime transport influenced the development of citizens and residents in Hong Kong, both in urban and outlying islands. Apart from an extensive literature review and government reports, data collected via semi-structured, in-depth interviews with several key personnel involved in the decision-making process and planning reveal how public opinion and inputs from different institutional agents forced the Hong Kong government to abandon future development, with the final decision being a compromise between different political forces. The study provides insights into the evolution of ferry services in Hong Kong and offers a substantive discussion on the bidirectional influence, considering the reciprocal impacts of both ferry services on urban development and vice versa.