Considered one of the most profitable metro systems in the world, the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway or MTR, is an important means of public transportation in Hong Kong. The rapid transit system has 12 lines for light rail and 10 lines for heavy rail. It serves a total of 155 stations, with both the heavy rail as well as the light rail taken into consideration. Under the guidance of MTR Corporation this metro system has truly been successful. Infact, various other metro systems in the world look up to it, as their model. Expansion plans for this already 218 km long network are not certain, to say the least. There is a constant debate with regard to how and which regions should the transit system expand to. Currently however, it has a daily ridership of nearly 4.6 million (2015).
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Map
Map of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway showing various lines and stations.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Hours
The MTR normally operates from 6:00 am to 1:30 am, the time varying slightly on different lines. The frequency of the trains also differ with the lines. However, they are subject to some differences depending on the day and time of the day as well.
For a detailed table with information regarding the headway of the trains on various lines, you can visit the official website at:http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/train_service_index.html
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Fares, Tickets and Cards
An Octopus card is widely used by riders. It is a smart card that has a built in microchip, which contains detailed information for various modes of transport and can be used for MTR, ferries, buses, Airport Express and light rail. It is topped up with cash and when swiped, the fare is deducted. These cards are available for Adult, Child, Elder and Personalized.
Single journey tickets can be used to travel on MTR, to a pre-selected destination. These tickets are of two types, Adult and Concessionary. Senior citizens aged 65 and above and children aged 3-11 are eligible for concessionary tickets.
Riders can also purchase various types of passes, as per their needs. A Tuen Mun – Nam Cheong Day Pass provides unlimited travel on light rail, MTR buses and West Rail Line between Tuen Mun and Nam Cheong stations. There is an option for a Monthly Pass that provides unlimited travel for a month, on the designated stations, and also provides 25% discount on the fares for journeys to and from non-designated stations.
Tourists can purchase Airport Express Travel Pass for 1 or 2 Airport Express rides. The card provides one/ two designated journeys on the Airport Express and unlimited travel on MTR, light rail and MTR bus, for three consecutive days. The card costs HK$250 for one ride and HK$350 for two rides.
Another option for tourists is a Tourist Day Pass that provides unlimited travel on MTR and Light rail, for one day and is valid for 1 month, from the issue date. The price is HK$65 for an Adult Tourist Day Pass and HK$30 for a Child Tourist Day Pass.
For more information in regards to the fares, tickets and cards that the metro system offers, you can visit the official website at:http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/index.php
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Parking
The MTR system offers park and ride facilities to the metro passengers at each station. Octopus card users can pay the parking fees directly. The parking fees are different in each station. Special rates are only available from 5.30am to 1.00am.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Safety and Services
To ensure safety, some of the stations have police posts and the police officers also patrol the trains and all stations. Announcements are made in trains regarding arriving stations. These announcements are made in English, Cantonese and Standard Mandarin Chinese.The metro prohibits Smoking, Eating and Drinking at stations or inside the metro.
All stations have a full GSM, CDMA and TDMA, mobile phone network. All stations also have 3G network provided by some operators. The passengers can also avail free Wi-Fi service for 5 sessions per day, with 15 minutes per session. ATM’s and Post Boxes are found in most of the stations. In case of any kind of help required, Customer Service is available in some of the stations. With regards to lost property, there is a Lost Property and Concessionary Travel Office where your queries can be answered.
For more information with regard to the services there to offer, you can visit the official website of the MTR, at: http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/more_station_facilities.html
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Lines
Currently MTR has 10 heavy rail lines serving 82 stations, and 12 lines light rail lines that serve 68 stations. In the total the MTR serves 155 stations in total, along 22 lines. All the lines are recognized by name and color.
Heavy Rail Lines:
- East rail line – East rail line was opened in 1910 and the metro offer service between Hung Hom and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau. The length of the route is 41km serving 14 stations.
- Kwun Tong line – The line was opened in 1979 and the metro offer service between Yau Ma Tei and Tiu Keng Leng. The length of the route is 11.2km serving 15 stations.
- Tsuen Wan line – The line was opened in 1982 and the metro offer service between Central and Tsuen Wan. The length of the route is 16km serving 16 stations.
- Island line – The line was opened in 1985 and the metro offer service between Sheung Wan and Chai Wan. The length of the route is 13.3km serving 14 stations.
- Tung Chung Line – The line was opened in 1998 and the metro offer service between Hong Kong and Tung Chung. The length of the route is 31.1km serving 8 stations.
- Tseung Kwan O line – The line was opened in 2002 and the metro offer service between North point and PO Lam/ LOHAS Park. The length of the route is 11.9km serving 8 stations.
- West rail line – The line was opened in 2003 and the metro offer service between Hung Hom and Tuen Mun. The length of the route is 35.4km serving 12 stations.
- Ma On Shan line – The line was opened in 2004 and the metro offer service between Wu Kai Sha and Tai Wai. The length of the route is 11.4km serving 9 stations.
- Disneyland Resort line – The line was opened in 2005 and the metro offer service between Sunny Bay and Disneyland Resort. The length of the route is 3.3km serving 2 stations.
Light Rail Lines: There are 12 light rail lines that the MTR operates. It began in the year 1988, running over 36 km in length, it serves various different areas. Serving a total of 68 stations, the line is represented by a mustard yellow colour and has its depot located at Tuen Mun.