Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

[hkskyline]

Since operations began in 1979, the MTR Railway has become one of the most important elements of Hong Kong's transportation network.

With a railway network of 87.7 kilometres route with 50 stations, the MTR carries over 2.3 million passengers a day - one of the most intensively utilized systems in the world.

To meet escalating passenger demands, the Corporation expanded its train fleet from 140 cars in 1979 to 1,050 cars in 2002 (including 88 cars for the Airport Express), 86% of which are in service to meet the daily morning peak demand.

Significant progress has been made with the construction of new lines and associated property developments. The Tseung Kwan O Extension is the newest line to be completed and commenced service in August 2002. Earlier in July 2002, the MTR was awarded both the Penny's Bay Rail Link and the Tung Chung Cable Car projects. Consultation is now in progress on the proposed South Island Line and West Island Line as a railway alternative to the transport needs of the west and south sides of Hong Kong Island.

Tseung Kwan O Extension Project

Tseung Kwan O Extension (TKE) is the 6th operational line of the MTR Corporation, which serves Tseung Kwan O new town and Yau Tong. The TKE project features 33 major contracts, 13 for the civil works and 20 for the electrical and mechanical works. All construction works have been completed. The line was opened to the public on 18 August 2002 including five stations, namely Yau Tong, Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O, Hang Hau and Po Lam as well as the depot in Area 86 together with the improved Quarry Bay and North Point Stations. A further station will be added to the Line at Tseung Kwan O South. Trains operate at the same speed and frequency as the other MTR urban lines (80 km/hr and ultimately 105 seconds headways)

[Neo]

You sure do get around! That system is much more efficient than what we have here in the States. Even markings on the floor of the stations to let people know where to stand to enter and exit the trains. Thanks for sharing!

[Urban_Legend]

Those are some really cool pics. Yeah, it looks like a really efficient system!

[PghUSA]

Great Pics! Doesn't HK also have that subway out to the "island" airport the big new one they built? . . saw a show on the Discovery channel on it . . . we need something like that here in the 'burgh, great job!

[hkskyline]

The Airport Express links downtown with the airport. Passengers can check in before they board their train.

Hong Kong Station

Left : Airport Express train

Right : Tung Chung Line subway train

Train interior

Source : pBase & Hong Kong Railway Society

[urban addict 20324]

HK MTR, the quite possibly one of the best mass transit systems in the world. I rode all of the lines and they were great; I like how they built a glass wall to prevent ppl from falling onto the tracks. The Aiport Express lines looks like a plush, modern RR car, and that ine with the Tung Chung line crosses a marvel, the world's longest rail and road bridge- Tsing Ma Bridge (suspension) and Kap Shui Mun (cable-stayed).

[jvillari]

I really like the arrow signs to tell people to let the ones in first and then get in...

[Recchia]

My God, I'm so jealous. That is the nicest looking couple of stations I've ever seen. And I thought DC's were clean...

[Snowguy716]

I was in Hong Kong in May. It was by far the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient transport system I've ever seen.. bar none.