Hong Kong Transport

Hong Kong has two independent tram networks. One of them has been operating for over 100 years (founded in 1904) and connects the business center of Hong Kong Island with residential areas. In the central part of the island - the areas of Xionan, Central, Edmiralti, Wanchai - there is a single line that has branches at both ends (in the western and eastern parts of Hong Kong Island). There are no route numbers; the route is indicated by a plate with the name of the end station. All routes pass through the city center. As a rolling stock, two-story historical cars of the 30s are used. There are also a small number of modern cars, which, however, completely copy the historical ones. The tram is not only an actively used and the cheapest (fare - 2.3 HK $ ) means of transportation, but also an important tourist attraction.

The second tram network, often referred to as light rail lines, is located in the New Territories and connects Hong Kong's satellite cities of Thunmun and Yunlon. As a rolling stock, modern single-story tram cars produced in Australia and Japan are used. This network is owned by KCRC , which operates both intercity and suburban electric trains.

In Hong Kong, there are 3 main independent private bus companies that transport vehicles with large and extra large capacity. Transportation on Hong Kong Island and between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula is provided by CityBus, on Hong Kong Island by First Bus, KMB on Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories . On routes mainly used two-story rolling stock. The vast majority of buses are air-conditioned, but KMB still has older buses with naturally-supplied ventilation.

All bus networks are regulated by the municipality , the routes have a strictly adhered to schedule, convenient stopping points, and a uniform fare payment system. In general, the presence of various carriers does not affect the integrated transport network. In addition to the above bus networks, there are also routes on Lantau Island and minibuses .

As payment on public transport routes such as a tram on Hong Kong Island, a bus , fixed-route taxis are accepted as cash (payment is made at the entrance to the salon in a special cash desk next to the driver, on the tram lines also to the cash desk, but upon exit, change is not issued), and a single contactless card is an Octopus card .

To pay for the metro and electric trains, you must go through the turnstile line using the Octopus card or a pre-purchased ticket; at the exit you also need to go through the turnstile using a ticket.

To pay for the ferry fare, you must go through the turnstile line, paying for the fare with an Octopus card or in cash (change is not issued), or through the cashier (if necessary, get change).

To pay for trams in the New Territories, you must validate the Octopus card or a pre-purchased ticket in the validator on the station platform.

The fare is differentiated depending on the type of transport, operator company, route, type of vehicle used (for buses), range, deck or saloon of the ferry and is quite complicated. For ease of use, at each metro and electric train station and at every public transport stop, a payment scheme for passing routes hangs. It is important to keep in mind that in most cases, travel must be paid without change (in case of overpayment, change is not issued), so the most convenient payment method is a contactless unified transport card - Octopus card. In addition to convenience, this card provides discounts on travel, it is also possible to pay for small purchases in stores of some trading systems.

Hong Kong has developed freight and passenger sea transport.

Hong Kong International Airport is located on the bulk island of Chek Lap Kok in the northern part of Lantau Island. The airport is connected to the city via the express train line - Airport Express and expressway. “Chek Lap Kok” in 2007 was named the best in the world in terms of passenger service, infrastructure and a number of other criteria according to a survey conducted by independent British organization Skytrax among 7.8 million passengers ^[1] .