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Transportation
Table of Contents
Hong Kong is known for their fast past actions, therefore they have a variety of transportation options. However which type of transportation should you take? Lets first go through the types of transportation and review they pros and cons for each....
Octopus Smart Card
Since 1997, there is a integrated system called the Octopus smart card fare-payment technology. This new system made it easier for commuting on the MTR. All you have to do is pay a minimum charge for the card of 50 HKD and then the card with be activated. when you run out u can always refill the card at a customer service counter or at 7 eleven; all for your convenience. You can use this card to pay for MTR, buses, mini buses, ferries, 7 eleven and many more. There are three types because the price ranges for age groups. The pink card is for children, the green card is for elders and the multicoloured card is for adults. This card makes everything fast paced so that you can join in with the rapidness of Hong Kong. All you have to do is scan the card on the place where you scan it which will be located when you enter into the MTR Station, next to the driver on buses and next to the cashier at 7 eleven. Although taxi drivers do not accept Octopus cards.
MTR (Massive Transit Railway)
The MTR is a commonly used public transport system because it is efficient and affordable. It is under the government rail-led transport policy. On an average weekday, there are over four million trips made. The Hong Kong MTR is an underground transit, therefore it is just like a subway in North America such as in Toronto or New York. However the Hong Kong MTR has rules to keep it safe and clean. There are sliding class doors that protect you from falling into the MTR path. There is a rule were you are not allowed eating or drinking in the MTR which keeps the transport system very clean. There are MTR maps on the train and route paths above the sliding doors so that you will find your way with ease. The map located inside the MTR will light up where the MTR is currently located and also tell you which side the doors will open. Announcements will also tell you which stop it is at in cantonese, mandarin and english; it makes it even easier to identify where the MTR is located and it is user friendly for the deaf. Since the MTR is underground, you will not have to face any traffic and always have a smooth ride.
Although, Hong Kong is a very rapid and largely populated city, therefore there are many people traveling all at the same time. It is most crowded during rush hours such as when people go to and get off work, which is from 8am to 9am to 6pm to 8pm. I recommend to not travel on the MTR during these times because it does it really crowded because everyone in Hong Kong is in a hurry and they squeeze as many as possible on one MTR route.
Further, in front of the sliding doors, there are arrows to indicate where the people inside the MTR will get out and where the people getting in the MTR should wait and get in from. This allows the MTR system to be more efficient.
This will help you plan your routes:
MTR Journey Planner
Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTR
Taxis
The simplest way to travel in Hong Kong is to travel using the taxi. Taxi's are everywhere in Hong Kong and you can identify them by their colour and the taxi sign at the top of the vehicle. The colour of the taxi is red on the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island side, however at the North Territories area, the taxi's are green in colour. There are also blue taxis located on Lantau Island. When the sign at the top of the taxi is lighted up, that means the taxi is available, but if not, that means the taxi is in use or not in service. The prices very as you go, however you can use this link to calculate taxi fares: TAXI FARES. Taxis are the simplest way to travel however it is the most expensive way to travel because it is one to one service, instead of public transportation. Also the taxi drivers do not accept Octopus cards, they only accept cash.
Buses
level. The
double decker buses go through the main routes and the mini buses go through the local residential routes. Learn more about there bus routes and pricing here: Hong Kong City Bus. Although, the buses are usually used by the locals so if you use the buses, make sure you know the area well. The buses travel on the roads, therefore they share the same routes as taxis and local drivers. This means you may encounter traffic when traveling on a bus. The location of where to buses stops are very easy to find. It's just like North America where there are signs that identify the bus stops.
Ferry
An alternative way to travel is with the Hong Kong Ferry. This ferry goes to and from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The ferry constantly goes back and forth. The ferry is also a great way for site seeing to see both harbours of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. More information of the Hong Kong ferry click here: Hong Kong Ferry.Ding Ding- Hong Kong Tram
The cheapest transportation in Hong Kong.More information of the Hong Kong Tram click here: Hong Kong Tram.
Those are most of the main transportation types. Choose which is the best for you travels and enjoy your trip!
Picture Sources
Hong Kong Travel Map - http://www.chinahighlights.com/hong-kong/map.htm
Octopus card - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_card, http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/2010/10/octopus-card-is-must-in-hongkong.html, http://anasarmiento.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/hk-macau-trip/
MTR - http://www.hk-hotel.com/map_of_hong_kong_mtr_station.htm, http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/03/hong-kong-subwa/, http://www.urbanphoto.net/blog/tag/mtr/, http://www.buckeroomama.com/2009_11_01_archive.html
Taxis - http://travel.hindustantimes.com/multimedia/travel-photo-gallery/top-ranked-taxis-around-the-world/hong-kong.php , http://www.urbanphoto.net/blog/2009/12/
Buses - http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-p371385-Stanley_Markets_bus_stop.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HongKong-Bus%26Minibus.png, www.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/HK_Sheung_Wan_Shun_Tak_Centre_Bus_Terminus_CityBus_182_New_World_First_Bus
Ferries - Tim Mok
Tram - http://sewmanyquiltstoolittletime.blogspot.com/2012/01/ding-ding-trams-and-disneyland.html
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