ABSTRACT
Introduction The spatial implications of urban transport patterns have long been an important theme in planning and transport literature (Hansen, 1959; Mumford, 1961; Thomson, 1977). However, most of the debate about connections between transport and the concept of the ‘compact city’ has focused on cities with relatively low densities. This chapter highlights some results from a study of transport patterns in nine cities in eastern Asia, most of which have high urban densities. It outlines a small number of key urban and transport characteristics and places them in an international context. This sets the scene for discussion of the transport opportunities and challenges that result from high densities. Finally, the implications of high urban densities for transport policies are discussed.
