This video takes a look at what may be the world's best subway system - Hong Kong's MTR. Riders hold shares in the public-private entity. And, as the video explains, it is profitable.
More than 4 million riders use Mass Transit Rail (MTR) daily.
"New mass transit systems in mainland China, India and the United Kingdom have at least one thing in common: They all came to Hong Kong to study its example of good business combined with public service."
Unlike many transit systems, especially the deficit-prone U.S. variety, MTR has many sources of income.
"It is one of Hong Kong's leading owners and developers of real estate. MTR had been given the right to develop on adjacent or over many of its stations", including the city's tallest building, and "apartment blocks and shopping centers all over the city".
While the Bay Area's Metropolitan Transportation Commission continues to sink tens of millions of dollars into a smart card with only limited success, the MTR's smart card is "used in movie theaters and convenience stores, with each transaction producing revenue for MTR."
Hong Kong's mass transit rail system (MTR) became a public-private enterprise in 2005 and today has more private shareholders than any company on the Hong Kong stock exchange."
FULL STORY: Hong Kong’s mass transit system rides to prosperity
Regardless of Cost, New York Must Rehabilitate its Crown Jewel: the Subway
Depending on what's included, the cost to rebuild the ailing 665-mile system could be $111 billion, but the city's future depends on it. A feature-length New York Times Magazine piece looks at its history and suggests ways to finance rebuilding.
Subway Quiz: What Long-Awaited Line Opened Four Days Before the Second Ave Subway?
The 4.6-mile subway operates like some AirTrains in the U.S. that automatically whisk travelers between airport terminals without drivers and with platform screen doors at stations for enhanced safety. Where is the new line located?
Expanding the Hong Kong Subway, One Blast at a Time
In this video, host Richard Quest takes us underground to view the work firsthand, where two explosions occur daily right underneath dense city blocks.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.
Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.
Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service