It has been five years since my last visit to Hong Kong, and in that time there has been a number of changes to local transport.
Trains
The Sha Tin to Central Link project is finally complete, with new Hyundai Rotem EMUs running on an extended East Rail line under Victoria Harbour to Admiralty.
And the Ma On Shan and West Rail lines have been merged into the Tuen Ma line, with new CRRC Changchun EMUs running on the line along with existing SP1900 sets.
CKD0A diesel-electric locomotives have taken over on East Rail line works trains.
With retired MTR diesel-electric locomotives #62, #58 and #61 stored in the freight yard at Sha Tin.
But retired classmate #60 is now on display at the Hong Kong Railway Museum.
Two carriages from a retired Metro Cammell EMU have also been placed on display at the ‘Water Sports and Recreation Precinct’ on the Wan Chai Harbourfront.
However the MTR Intercity Through Train service has been withdrawn – the KTT set stored at Fo Tan Depot.
The Through Train terminal at Hung Hom station mothballed.
Trams
New ‘Phase 5’ LRVs have entered service on the MTR Light Rail.
The upgrade of the Peak Tram has been finished.
And over the other side of the Pearl River Delta, the Macau Light Rapid Transit is now running.
On the water
Ferry services to Macau have taken a hit following the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
And there is a new livery on the water of Victoria Harbour – Sun Ferry, the new name of New World First Ferry.
Buses
Citybus was merged with New World First Bus, with a quick patch job applied to the acquired NWFB buses until the new Citybus livery can be applied.
Kowloon Motor Bus has a growing number of electric buses in their fleet, wearing a bright green livery.
And older Long Win buses once used on airport services have been rebranded for KMB for use on urban routes.
Aviation
The new Sky Bridge to the North Satellite Concourse is open.
While work on the larger three-runway system (3RS) project at Hong Kong International Airport continues – the new northern runway in use, with work on a new air traffic control tower and terminal building continuing.
And over at the former Kai Tak Airport, the checkerboard pattern on the hill above Kowloon City got a repaint after twenty years.
And some non-transport things
The closed town of Sha Tau Kok is now open to tourists who apply for a travel permit.
With a replica KCR narrow gauge steam locomotive on display at the Chung Ying Street Garden, beside the border with Mainland China.
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland was extended to become the ‘Castle of Magical Dreams‘.
And in sad news, the Yee Shun Milk Company has closed down their outlets in Mongkok, Yau Ma Tei, and Jordan – leaving just one on Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay.
