Last update 15 June 2004
The Hong Kong S.A.R. has seen massive transport infrastructure investment in the run up to 1997 and since. The result is a highly integrated set of transport resources.
However the density of development, both commercial and residential, that supports this level of service may not be acceptable to everyone. The outbreak of SARS has demonstrated one cost of high density living.
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The key to the integration is the Octopus Card, launched in 1996. This is a contactless smart card that can be used on all major transport operators, some light buses and car parks and in an increasing number of retail outlets. An optional personal Octopus card can be registered so that direct debit re-charging can be used. |
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A comparable Oyster Card system has been introduced on the London Underground. This is the fruition of widespread trials of Smartcard technology across Europe under the DRIVE programmes of the 1990s. The London card is aimed at regular season ticket holders, it does not accomodate the flexible and casual use of the Hong Kong version, and is not fully intechangable with heavy rail services. |
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The 1067mm gauge electric tramway has run along the north side of Hong Kong island since 1904. It is a tourist attraction. However, since the trams have a segregated right of way through the most congested area, they offer a valuable supplement to buses and taxis at peak times. |
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A number of bus companies offer local and express services from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to the New Territories. City Bus is a Stagecoach subsidiary. New World First Bus is a joint venture between the U.K. based First Group and New World, formed in 1998 and displacing China Motor Bus. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) founded in 1933 operates both urban and interurban services. Most buses are air-conditioned and equipped in some cases with on-board video. The Hush the Bus campaign is a response to intrusive on-board advertising. |
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The MTR subway was planned in the 1960s and 1970s and opened in 1979. The initial system has been extended towards the original planned proposal. The most recent extension, the Tsuen Kwan O line opened in August 2002. The aggressive fare structure has forced competing bus companies to consider fare reductions. |
| Despite the success of the MTR system, the Star ferries still provide a quick cross-harbour service between Hong Kong island and Kowloon. |  |
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The Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) links Hong Kong with Guangzhou, but within the SAR operates as the equivalent of the R.E.R. metro in Paris. It utilises stock developed from London Underground sub-surface vehicles. These have recently been fully refurbished. The original route to the border has been designated East Rail. A new 30.5km West Rail line linking the KCR light rail system and the NW New Territories to Kowloon opened in Decmeber 2003 and further extensions are under construction. |
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The tourist oriented Peak tramway also maintains intermediate stations for local users. The tramway is integrated with the Octopus ticketing system. |
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The feeder services run with 16 seat public light buses and the taxis complete the set of public transport resources. |
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