A spacious City —– with fewer minibus stops
Producer: Liu Junhe (UID 3035948469)
video link: https://youtu.be/S_uGgvHj8N4
Hong Kong is a busy city with a dense population. In recent years, the most popular traffic transport is minibuses, especially in areas that are short and hard to reach by the MTR. However, because of the traffic and safety concerns, changes in public transportation policies, environmental issues and so on, the number of minibus stops is decreasing.
The most series problem is traffic congestion and road safety and that’s also what I pay much attention on my video. Hong Kong’s streets are often congested especially in some Two-way Street. To alleviate this issue, transportation authorities may reduce the number of minibuses stops. This helps streamline traffic flow and reduce the risks associated with frequent stopping and starting, such as rear-end collisions. Fewer stops contribute to a safer and more efficient road transport system, benefiting all road users. Additionally, evolving public transportation policies aim to create a more efficient system. The Hong Kong government continuously updates its policies to promote larger buses and the MTR over minibuses, which can carry fewer passengers. It aims to reduce road congestion and promote the use of more sustainable public transport systems capable of handling larger volumes of passengers. Policies that favor larger and more efficient modes of transport naturally lead to a reduction in the number of minibus stops.
For the video, I use Jianying to cut a whole video into several parts and combine different parts together. I chose the cross-section between Fa Yuen Street and Argyle Street. The busiest hours are from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. These hours sees a huge surge in commuter traffic as people leave work and school to return home. This period is marked by heavy congestion on major roads and crowded conditions on public transportation systems. Because of this, there’s a high demand during peak hours. Minibuses, known for their flexibility and ability to navigate through congested streets, are a popular choice for many commuters. However, the increased traffic can lead to delays and longer travel times. The pressure to maintain schedules during these peak periods often results in fewer stops to ensure faster travel. Also, to manage congestion during busy hours, transportation authorities may reduce the number of minibus stops along major routes. This strategy aims to minimize the frequent stopping and starting of minibuses, which can contribute to traffic jams. By limiting stops, minibuses can travel more efficiently, helping to alleviate congestion.
This period has a great impact on the operation and efficiency of minibus services. To combat high demand, congestion, safety concerns and environmental impacts, transport authorities and minibus operators often reduce the number of stops during these periods. This strategy helps ensure that minibuses travel across the city more efficiently and provide timely and safe services to the many passengers who rely on minibuses to travel every day. As Hong Kong continues to grow and evolve, these adjustments are critical to maintaining an effective and sustainable transport network.
Mass Transit Railway Corporation. (2023). MTR Expansion Plans. Retrieved from MTR Corporation
Transport Department of Hong Kong. (2023). Traffic Management and Safety. Retrieved from Transport Department
Hong Kong Legislative Council. (2023). Public Transport Policy Review. Retrieved from LegCo
Environmental Protection Department. (2023). Sustainable Transport Initiatives. Retrieved from EPD