Yau lok! : the minibus as Hong Kong’s transportation heritage

Abstract

Serving Hong Kong for 50 years, Hong Kong minibus has not only been a kind of public transport, but also a transportation heritage contributing to our collective attachments and symbolising the character of the city. The minibus maintained its original setting with minor adjustments owing to the public safety concern. However the rapid development and expansion of the public transport system had been affected the context and existence of the minibus. The minibus is a unique urban feature that with great contribution to the development of our city. It not only takes us navigate the city, but also carries our history and collective moments. The red and green minibuses are the iconic urban feature of our city, and is the only one in the world operating in such a high-density city. As a means of public transport, it has to improve to keep pace with the change and need of the society, in addition to compete with other means of transportation. Modernization and safety enhancement are inevitably need. However, how can the minibus be upgraded while at the same time can preserve its cultural heritage values? As a mirror reflecting Hong Kong people’s identity and character, how can the minibus maintain its flexibility under the increasing regulations? Regarding the rapid competition with other means of public transport, how can the minibus retain its special character and be sustained not only as a form of popular transportation, but also as Hong Kong’s transportation heritage? This dissertation aims to establish the minibus as a Hong Kong heritage by identifying its communal and social significance through people’s collective attachments.