Hong Kong has most sustainable transport system globally

It scored the highest in terms of its transport system's human implications.

Hong Kong takes the top spot in the Sustainable Cities Mobility Index in 2017, making its transport system the most sustainable in the world.

According to design and consultancy firm Arcadis, Hong Kong tops the People category, boosted by its innovative and well-connected metro network and a high share of trips taken by public transport.

It takes sixth place in the Profit subindex.

This subindex included key metrics for those living and working in a city, such as average commuting time.

"Public transport is relatively cheap compared to other world cities. Less than one fifth of people in Hong Kong own a car, but pedestrianized areas are few in number," the report said.

It posted its lowest ranking at the Planet subindex at 53rd, due mainly to the high levels of pollution caused by busy ports as key industrial harbors have high levels of container traffic every day.

Moreover, other transport challenges include limited space, a growing and ageing population, rapidly increasing cross-boundary traffic with China and environmental concerns.

Here's more from Arcadis:

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the world’s best and busiest, with 70.5 million passengers in 2016. HKIA is operating at 99% capacity, with a third runway currently undergoing construction and due to open in 2024. The expansion of the airport is intended to aid Hong Kong’s role in connecting mainland China with the rest of the world, a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s global trade development strategy.

The controversial Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is scheduled to open at the end of 2017. The bridge, beset by delays and environmental concerns, is meant to bring closer economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. There is no rail on the bridge, leading to concerns among some politicians and civil society groups that the number of vehicles coming from China will compromise Hong Kong’s drive for better air quality.