History of transport in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an important port in the Far East and has relied on entrepôt trade to survive its economy for more than a century.

Early history
Tuen Mun was a military camp and naval base located in the western part of present-day Hong Kong during the Tang dynasty of China since 621 AD. The territory of Tuen Mun by then extended from western Shenzhen in the Guangdong Province of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to western Kowloon in Hong Kong. This area played a crucial role in maritime trade and defense.

Tramways
When the British crown colony of Hong Kong began on Hong Kong Island in 1842, there was no public transport. The first mode of public transport was the Peak Tram, a funicular railway, which has been in operation since 1888. The Hong Kong Tramways, a street-running tram system, started in 1904 and continues to serve the northern shore of Hong Kong Island.

Conventional railway
The Kowloon Peninsula south of the Boundary Street and the Stonecutters Island was ceded by the then ruling dynasty of China, the Ch'ing dynasty, and was added to the crown colony in 1860; and the New Territories was leased subsequently in 1898. The Kowloon–Canton Railway (now the East Rail line on the MTR system) was built from the southern tip of Kowloon to Canton (now Guangzhou) in the Kwangtung Province (now Guangdong Province) in the 1900s. The British Section was opened in 1910, and the Chinese Section a year later. This is the first conventional railway in Hong Kong.

Rapid transit
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system, established in 1979, revolutionized public transport in Hong Kong. The MTR network has expanded significantly and now comprises multiple lines covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The system is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and high usage rates.

Public bus
Public bus service in Hong Kong was not regulated until 1933, when the Hong Kong government granted franchises to two bus services companies, the China Motor Bus and the Kowloon Motor Bus. These services have expanded over the decades, with additional companies like New World First Bus and Citybus entering the market, providing extensive coverage across the region.

Water transport
Hong Kong's strategic location as a port city has made water transport a vital part of its transportation network. The iconic Star Ferry, established in 1888, provides ferry services between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. In addition to ferries, there are numerous water taxis and cargo ships that navigate the waters of Victoria Harbour and beyond.

Aviation
Hong Kong's aviation history dates back to the early 20th century with the establishment of Kai Tak Airport in 1925. Kai Tak, known for its challenging approach over the city, was Hong Kong's primary airport until it closed in 1998. The modern Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at Chek Lap Kok opened in 1998, becoming one of the busiest and most advanced airports in the world. HKIA serves as a major international gateway and cargo hub, supporting Hong Kong's status as a global city.

Recent Developments
In recent years, Hong Kong has continued to develop its transportation infrastructure. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, opened in 2018, is the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland city of Zhuhai. The MTR network continues to expand with new lines and extensions, such as the Tuen Ma Line and the East Rail Line extension to Admiralty.

Environmental Initiatives: Hong Kong is also focusing on sustainable transport solutions. Electric buses and ferries are being introduced to reduce emissions, and cycling infrastructure is being developed in the New Territories to promote green transport.