Rail Transport in Hong Kong
HF:Hong Kong’s rail network mainly comprises public transport trains operated by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRC). The MTRC operates the metro network of the territory, the computer rail network connecting the northeastern, northwestern and southwestern New Territories to the urban areas, and a light rail network in northwestern New Territories.
The operations of the territory’s two leading railway companies, MTRC and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC), were merged in 2007 on grounds of economies of scale and cost effectiveness.
The Hong Kong Government has an explicitly stated transport policy of using railways as its transport backbone.
Metro Cammell electric multiple unit, running on the Tsuen Wan Line Source: Wikipedia
In addition to the MTR network there are several smaller scale railways run by different operators, including the Peak Tram and the Hong Kong Tramways, and other systems including the Disneyland Railroad and the Ocean Express.
The Peak Tram Source:Shutterstock
The first mode of rail transport for the public in Hong Kong was the Peak Tram, serving The Peak (at Victoria Gap), the Mid Levels and the city centre since 1888.
Peak Tram Upper Terminus 1888 Source:gwulo.com
This was followed by the Mount Parker Cable Car in 1892, but this system was terminated in 1932 and dismantled.
Mount Parker Cable Car 1919-1920 Source:Wikipedia
The tram started service along the northern of Hong Kong island in 1904.
Early Hong Kong trams, single decker (first generation) [1904-C1913] Source: gwulo.com
KCR 2-6-4ST steam locomotive (Kitson locomotive works, 1909) Source:flickr
It was not until 1979 that a rapid transit system, the MTR was opened.
On this day in 1979, Hong Kong’s first MTR line opened to the public. About 230,000 people passed through the system causing massive queues and at times bedlam. Source: Instagram
Admiralty MTR station under construction, February 1979 Source: scmp.com
Three years later, the British Section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway began its transition towards electrification, which changed it into a commuter rail, and eventually providing rapid transit-like service. The Light Rail Transit (LRT, now the MTR Light Rail) began its operation in the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long new towns in 1988.
Light Rail Transit undated Source:Wikipedia
The two railway companies, MTR Corporation Limited and Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation merged their operations in 2007 to form a single rapid transit network, with the KCRC granting the MTRCL a service concession to operate their KCR network.
- Source:Wikipedia
2. This article was first posted on 7th December 2025.
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