In the 1960’s the government of Hong Kong saw a need for a transportation system able to help reduce road traffic. British transport consultants Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates were shortly appointed to study the transportation system in Hong Kong. In 1967, they submitted to the government a document suggesting the construction of a rail rapid system in Hong Kong. In 1979, the Metro system also known as MTR or Mass Transit Railway was born. It started with only one train route linking Shek Kip Mei Station to Kwun Tong Station. Over the years, the MTR has largely expanded its service to become a full transportation network of about 150 stations from which 82 are railway stations and 68 light rail stops.
Today the Hong Kong MTR is one of the most advanced in the world. The introduction of the smart card called Octopus in 1997 has helped increase its efficiency. With an approximate 4 million trips made on a daily basis, the MTR is now without any doubt the most common mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Its inexpensiveness and convenience have made it the most popular mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Its popularity also lies in the fact that the Hong Kong MTR is extremely safe. Various campaigns, posters and activities have definitely helped increase awareness of certain safety procedures. Safety reminders are regularly made in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Furthermore, police officers are tirelessly and constantly patrolling trains and train stations to ensure their safety.
If you are coming to Hong Kong for the first time and have plans to stay for a few months, head over any MTR stations and ask for an Octopus card. This will help you save a small fortune especially if you intend to commute a lot.
