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Hong Kong Transport System
By Motor
There are three main bus companies, Citybus, New World First Bus Service Limited and Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB). They offer various routes that built the extensive bus system in Hong Kong. Others like minibus, taxi, peak tram, train and tram make travelling even more convenient throughout Hong Kong.
KMB covers almost the biggest transportation network in Hong Kong. Of almost 10 million of total ridership per day in Hong Kong, KMB constitutes 3 million. It now operates a fleet of 4,200 buses running on about 400 routes. Its network spans the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, and extends through the harbour tunnels, to Hong Kong Island.
New World Bus has a short history in Hong Kong. Its operation began in 1998. It currently runs 88 routes in throughout Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories.
By Tram
The oldest mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Its fleet includes over 160 double-decker trams and runs on eight different routes along the north coast of Hong Kong Island. At a fare of only HK$2, passengers can complete the whole ride from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town, through Happy Valley and Causeway Bay. The Peak Tram provides a scenic ride from the mid-levels to the Victoria Peak in eight minutes. It is a popular tourist spot at which the whole Victoria Harbour can be viewed.
By Train
The MTR has been providing a safe, reliable and efficient way to get around Hong Kong since 1979. In December 2007, the operations of MTR and Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation have been merged to form one of the most efficient and far-reaching railway networks in Asia. The newly expanded system extends all the way from the heart of Central and Causeway Bay to the New Territories and Lantau Island. Its 168.1km of track covers 80 stations on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, Tung Chung, Tseung Kwan O, East Rail, West Rail, Ma On Shan and Disneyland Resort lines. The MTR now also operates a 35.2km Airport Express and 36.2km Light Rail networks which can take you to Hong Kong Airport and 68 stops in the North West New Territories. It also provides speedy through train services to major cities across Mainland China. Helping average 3.4 million people reach their destination every weekday, the MTR is regarded as one of the world's leading railways for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency.
By Ferry
Want to cross the harbour between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island without taking the MTR or buses, ferry is a wise choice for you. In a less-than-ten-minute boat trip, passengers can enjoy the best view of Victoria Harbour at only a few dollars. Other than the transportation between the harbour, its coverage includes Outlying Islands for people living there.
By Air
All major airlines fly into Hong Kong International Airport, located at Chep Lap Kok on Lantau Island. The efficient Airport Express takes you only 30 minutes to the heart of Hong Kong. Airport Ferry, shuttle buses, express buses and taxis are also available
Application of Driving License
No one can drive without a driving license in Hong Kong. Expatriates coming to Hong Kong need to apply for the following driving licenses if they want to drive.
Overseas Driving Licence
A Hong Kong driving license may be issued to you without a test if
- you have an overseas driving license issued by an approved country;
- your license must be valid or not have expired for more than three years;
- you have resided in the overseas country for not less than six months during which the licence was issued; or
- have held the license for not less than five years prior to the application; or
- hold a passport or equivalent document of the country in which the license was issued.
A test must be undertaken if the above requirements are not fulfilled.
Temporary Driving License
A Temporary Driving License may be issued if you are relocating to Hong Kong and you hold a valid overseas driving license issued by a country not on the approved list, given that you satisfy one of the additional requirements listed above. A Temporary Driving License allows you to drive on public roads before the test, but if you fail in any part of the driving test; your Temporary Driving License will be cancelled immediately.
Visitors Driving in Hong Kong
Visitors who are not planning to reside in Hong Kong can drive on the strength of your overseas driving license or international driving permit.
Procedure
Enquiries on the application of driving licenses can be directed to District Offices Public Enquiry Service Centres, post offices as well as the Licensing Offices of the Transport Department.
Find a Carpark
Unlike other places, apartments in Hong Kong are seldom equipped with parking facilities. A parking space needs to be prepared in case you opt motoring as your means of transportation.
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