If you’re going to travel to Hong Kong, you should know a few things about its transit system. The MTR is the main transportation system, which includes a 10-line rapid transit network, feeder bus service, and light and heavy rail. You can also take ferry rides and buses. Hong Kong transit is simple. Take a flight with Cathay Pacific and then read the following.
Ferries
Ferries in Hong Kong are an important means of transportation between the city and the outlying islands. However, the use of ferries has declined since the early 20th century.
The main reason is the decentralization of jobs in the city. As the number of people moved away from the harbour, the demand for the ferry diminished. This led to the cancellation of many routes.
As the demand for transit options increases, the development of railways and highways has also contributed to the decline of the ferry. It is possible to travel between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island through the subway system.
In order to minimize the impact of such external factors, the government has introduced special subsidies for 14 outlying island ferry routes. These subsidy payments are provided by the government to ensure that these operators can maintain profitable routes.
For example, the ferry that connects Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui costs about $2.20 during the week and $3.20 on weekends. Meanwhile, a similar trip from Central takes just 10 minutes.
Another important factor that affects the development of the ferry industry is the economic and technical conditions. As the economy of Hong Kong flattens, the industry will have to tighten its cost control.
External conditions, like the pandemic COVID-19, have also played a part in the decline of the ferry. The Star Ferry is a notable example of this.
Buses
If you’re travelling to Hong Kong, it’s important to be familiar with the bus network. Having a general knowledge of where to board can save you a lot of trouble. Buses run around the whole of Hong Kong, and cover most of the territory. The majority of these are double-decker, with fares varying depending on the distance.
Public light buses (PLBs) were legalized in 1969, and a number of routes are operated by both private and public operators. These vehicles have a capacity of 16 or 19 passengers, and they are generally used for feeder services to the railway.
In Hong Kong, there are five private bus companies. There are two MTR Corporation companies, which operate feeder bus routes in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. They also operate cross-harbour services.
KMB was the first franchised bus company in Hong Kong. They have over 200 lines and more than 700 routes. Their fleet is composed of over 500 buses. Most of the KMB buses are 11m in length.
Some routes in Hong Kong are numbered in Chinese, and the destination is shown on the front of the bus. However, the system of numbering is disorganized. This means that a bus can have many destinations on a single route. It’s best to look for a bus that ends right near your destination.
Minibuses are air-conditioned, small buses with 16 or 19 seats. They are usually red or green, and they run along set routes.
MTR
Hong Kong’s MTR system is one of the largest rapid transit systems in the world. It has many lines, some of them above ground and others below.
Aside from its extensive network, the MTR also offers free Wi-Fi at most stations. Stations feature a variety of shops and stores, including banks and health and beauty outlets. Some also have food and beverage outlets.
The system is very child friendly. There are even concessionary tickets for children three to eleven years old. However, it is important to remember that while the MTR is a useful transportation option, the government does not pay for its development. So be aware that it is not an inexpensive mode of travel.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is a public transportation system that is operated by the MTR Corporation. It has a network of 10 rapid transit lines that serve the island of Hong Kong. These lines run on heavy rail and light rail.
While there are no exact statistics on the number of stations in the MTR system, it is estimated that there are approximately 400 stations. Many of the stations are large, with several exits. This can make it a bit of a hassle to get from one part of the station to the other.
One interesting fact is that some of the most crowded parts of the MTR are not actually under ground. In fact, there are stations on elevated bridges.
Trams
Trams in Hong Kong offer cheap, convenient and eco-friendly transportation. They are a great way to explore the island, and they also provide access to tourist sites. The fares are affordable and are fixed, regardless of how far you travel.
Trams in Hong Kong are the cheapest way to get between east and west sides of the island. A total of 123 tram stops are found throughout the city. Although they are relatively slow, they run every four minutes during regular hours. During busy periods, they depart every 90 seconds.
Trams in Hong Kong can be used to visit attractions, such as Madame Tussauds wax museum. A trip on a tram takes about an hour.
Hongkong Tramways Limited operates seven routes. These routes include the Happy Valley and North Point. In addition to these routes, the company also operates minibuses along less-defined routes.
A Hongkong Tramways ticket costs HK$2 for adults, HK$1.5 for children aged three to eleven, and HK$1 for senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Also, an Octopus card can be used to pay for a ride.
Hongkong Tramways Limited’s 165 passenger trams operate between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. Their fleet is the largest double-decker tram fleet in the world.
Trams in Hong Kong were first introduced in 1904. Currently, there are 123 tram stops. To purchase a ticket, you can use your Octopus card or coins. You can also buy a monthly pass at Causeway Bay and Shek Tong Tsui.
Escalators
Escalators in Hong Kong are the perfect way to explore the city. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this is a great opportunity to see the cityscape at your own pace. Depending on which part of the city you’re in, you can get a great view of shops, restaurants, and wet markets.
If you’re interested in a tour of the Central Hong Kong area, an escalator is a great way to do it. In fact, Hong Kong’s escalator network carries over 85,000 people per day, making it one of the busiest escalators in the world.
When traveling by escalator, Hong Kong residents stand to the right side. They do this to allow faster people to pass. As you’re standing on the escalator, you’ll have great views of the wet markets and skyscrapers of the Mid-Levels.
The escalator system runs at a speed of 0.65 meters per second. This means that a trip will take about 20 minutes if you’re standing still. However, the travel time is much shorter if you’re walking or running at the same time.
The escalator system in Hong Kong has a total length of 800 metres. It consists of 20 single-direction escalators that connect the Mid-Levels to the Central business district. Each escalator has its own entrance on either side of the road.
The escalator runs downhill from 6am-10am, and uphill from 10:30am-midnight. During the morning rush hour, commuters can use it to go to Central. On Chinese New Year, the escalator also runs until 3am.