Paratransit in High-income Economies: How and Why did Residents’ Coach Services Thrive in Hong Kong?

Abstract

Paratransit fills the gap between conventional mass transit and private automobiles. Since the 1980s, a new form of paratransit – residents’ coach – has emerged in Hong Kong. Throughout the past two decades, the importance of residents’ coach has grown steadily. While recognizing the special geographical circumstances in each city, what useful lessons can be learned about the potential role of paratransit in high-income cities? Through a better understanding of the role of paratransit, it is hoped that a more comprehensive and integrated multi-modal public transport system can be developed to help reduce private automobile usage and contribute to sustainable urban transportation.