Hong Kong Tops Global Ranking for Best Public Transport Systems
A new global study has ranked Hong Kong as the city with the best public transport system in the world, reaffirming its reputation as a model for urban mobility, efficiency, and connectivity.
The comprehensive index, which analyzed several major cities across continents, assessed transportation systems based on multiple criteria, including network coverage, affordability, cleanliness, reliability, accessibility, sustainability, and the integration of technology.
Hong Kong emerged at the top of the list for its exceptional level of organization and coordination across different transport modes.
The city’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR), regarded as one of the most efficient metro systems globally, connects virtually every part of the city.
The system operates with near-perfect punctuality, offering both speed and convenience to millions of commuters daily.
Complementing the metro are Hong Kong’s double-decker buses, ferries, and trams, which together create a seamless and affordable public transportation network.
Commuters can pay for all these services with a single Octopus Card, a contactless smart payment system introduced in 1997 long before digital ticketing became the global norm.
Experts note that Hong Kong’s integrated approach, blending public and private operators under strict regulation, has made it an international benchmark for effective city transport.
Following Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing both in China took the second and third spots, respectively.
These megacities have invested heavily in expanding their metro networks over the last decade, with Shanghai now boasting the largest metro system in the world, covering more than 800 kilometers. Beijing’s network, meanwhile, is known for its affordability and extensive reach across the city’s urban and suburban areas.
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates ranked fourth, driven by its emerging smart mobility initiatives and the introduction of advanced electric and autonomous buses.
Taipei completed the top five, earning high marks for its efficient metro, cleanliness, and user-friendly design.
In Europe, London remains a standout performer, coming in sixth. The British capital continues to modernize its public transport system through contactless payments, improved accessibility, and cleaner, more energy-efficient buses.
Other European cities that made the list include Vienna, Zurich, Brighton, and Edinburgh, all praised for their sustainable operations, safety standards, and ease of commuting.
Vienna, in particular, is recognized for its punctual trams and metro services, while Zurich’s public transport authority is celebrated for precision and environmental responsibility.
The inclusion of Brighton and Edinburgh highlights the UK’s effort to improve mid-sized city networks through investment in rail and electric bus systems.
The report also highlights significant improvements in urban transport systems across Asia and the Middle East. Mumbai and Delhi both appear in the top fifteen, reflecting India’s progress in expanding metro systems to manage the transportation needs of its fast-growing population.
Doha in Qatar also made the top ten, recognized for its ultra-modern metro network built in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The system, now serving residents and visitors alike, is noted for its high comfort levels, safety, and sustainability features.
Singapore ranked twelfth, praised for its efficiency, cleanliness, and extensive coverage. The city-state’s transport system has long been regarded as one of the world’s most disciplined, integrating buses, trains, and taxis under a unified schedule and pricing model.
The top fifteen cities for public transport in 2025 are: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Taipei, London, Vienna, Seoul, Mumbai, Doha, Delhi, Singapore, Zurich, Brighton, and Edinburgh.
Analysts note that Asian cities dominate the ranking largely because of consistent investment in mass transit infrastructure, smart ticketing systems, and green mobility technologies such as electric trains and buses.
Europe, however, continues to set the standard for sustainable transport policy and environmental innovation, often balancing modernization with historical preservation and urban design.
The findings also reflect a growing global trend: as cities expand and private vehicle ownership becomes less sustainable, governments are prioritizing efficient public transport as a key driver of urban development and environmental policy.
Urban planners say that cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore show what’s possible when transportation is viewed not merely as a service, but as a strategic public good that supports economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
As global urban populations continue to grow, experts predict that investment in reliable, clean, and interconnected transport systems will become one of the defining measures of a city’s livability and Hong Kong, once again, leads the way.
