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{{featured article}}
{{two other uses|the metro system in Hong Kong|the company that operates the system|MTR Corporation|other meanings of "MTR"}}
{{Infobox Public transit|
name = Mass Transit Railway (MTR)|
image = MTR Corporation.svg|
imagesize = 250px|
locale = [[Hong Kong]]|
transit_type = <div>
* [[Rapid transit]]
* [[Light rail]]
* [[Regional rail]]</div>|
began_operation = <div>
*[[30 September]] [[1979]]
*[[2 December]] [[2007]]&nbsp;(Merger with KCRC)</div>|
system_length = <div>
* Rapid transit: 175&nbsp;km
* Light rail: 36.2&nbsp;km<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-07-086-E.pdf|title=MTR Press Release|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|date=2007|accessdate=2007-12-05}}</ref></div>|
lines = <div>
* Rapid transit: 10
* Light rail: 11</div>|
stations = <div>
* Rapid transit: 82
* Light rail: 68</div>|
ridership = <div>
* Rapid transit:<br />3.65 million
* Others:<br />0.47 million
(Dec 2007)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/patronage.php|title=MTR Patronage Updates|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|date=2008|accessdate=2008-02-19}} Note that: 1) The "daily average" of MTR lines from this link actually means the "weekday average". The real daily average of MTR lines equals to the "Monthly Total" divided by the number of days in that month. 2) The rapid transit includes "MTR Lines", "Airport Express" and "Cross-boundary". 3) The others includes "Intercity, Light Rail & Bus".
</ref>|
track_gauge = 1,432&nbsp;mm (near [[standard gauge]]) & <br/>
1,435 mm ([[standard gauge]])|
operator = [[MTR Corporation Limited|MTR Corporation]]
}}
{{Chinese
|title=Mass Transit Railway
|pic=TCL.JPG
|piccap=A [[MTR K-Stock EMU|K-Stock]] train on the [[Tung Chung Line]]
|t=港鐵
|s=港铁
|p=Gǎngtiě
|j=Gong2tit3
|y=Góngtít
|l="Hong Kong railway"}}
[[Image:1970 route map eng.png|thumb|right|250px|"Preferred System" Route Map in 1970]]

'''MTR''', or '''Mass Transit Railway''', is the [[rapid transit]] [[railway]] system in [[Hong Kong]]. The MTR first began service in 1979 and officially merged with the [[Kowloon Canton Railway]] (KCR) on [[2 December]], [[2007]], still bearing the same name in English. The network includes 211.6 km of rail with 150 stations, including 82 railway stations and 68 [[Light Rail (MTR)|light rail]] stops. The MTR system is currently being operated by [[MTR Corporation Limited]] (MTRCL). Due to its efficiency and affordability, the MTR system is a common mode of [[public transport]] [[transport in Hong Kong|in Hong Kong]], with over 4 million trips made in an average weekday. The integration of the [[Octopus card|Octopus]] [[smart card]] fare-payment technology into the MTR system in September 1997 has further enhanced the ease of commuting on the MTR.

In 1967, construction of the MTR was prompted by a government-commissioned study. The [[Hong Kong Government]] had previously commissioned a study in the 1960s to find solutions to the growing traffic problem caused by the expansion of the [[Economy of Hong Kong|city's economy]].<ref name=initial>{{cite paper|author=Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates|title=Hong Kong Mass Transport Study|date=1967}}</ref> Construction started soon after the release of the study, and the first line was opened in 1979. The MTR was immediately popular with residents of Hong Kong; as a result, subsequent lines have been built to cover more territory. There are continual debates regarding how and where to expand the MTR network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etwb.gov.hk/press_releases_and_publications/press_releases/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=778&Branch=T&lstYear=2006&PressReleaseID=9429|title=Government has reached understanding with MTRCL on the terms for merging the MTR and KCR systems|publisher=Environmental, Transport and Works Bureau of HKSAR|date=[[2006-04-11]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etwb.gov.hk/whats_new/Possible_Merger_of_MTRC_and_KCRC/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=1338|title=Possible Merger of MTR and KCR Systems|publisher=Environmental, Transport and Works Bureau of HKSAR|date=[[2006-11-06]]|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
__TOC__

==History==
===Initial proposal===
During the 1960s, the government of Hong Kong saw a need to accommodate increasing road traffic as Hong Kong's economy continued to grow strongly. [[United Kingdom|British]] transportation consultants Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates were appointed to study the transportation system of Hong Kong. The study was based on the projection of the population of Hong Kong for 1986, estimated at 6,868,000. On [[1967-09-01]], the consultants submitted to the government the ''Hong Kong Mass Transport Study'', which recommended the construction of a {{convert|40|mi|km|sing=on}} rail [[rapid-transit]] system in Hong Kong. The study suggested that four rail lines be developed in six stages, with a completion date set between December 1973 and December 1984.<ref name=initial /> Detailed positions of lines and stations were presented in the study. These four lines were [[Kwun Tong Line (MTR)|Kwun Tong Line]] (from [[Western Market]] to [[Ma Yau Tong]]), [[Tsuen Wan Line (MTR)|Tsuen Wan Line]] (from [[Admiralty]] to [[Tsuen Wan]]), [[Island Line (MTR)|Island Line]] (from [[Kennedy Town|Kennedy]] to [[Chai Wan|Chai Wan Central]]), and Shatin Line ([[Tsim Sha Tsui]] to [[Wo Liu Hang]]).

The study was submitted to the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] on [[1968-02-14]]. The consultants received new data of 1966 [[Census in Hong Kong|by-census]] in [[1968-03-06]]. A short supplementary report was submitted on [[1968-03-22]] and amended in June 1968. The by-census indicated that the projected 1986 population was reduced to 5,647,000, a reduction from a previous estimate by more than 1 million. The dramatic reduction in projection affected [[town planning]]. The population distribution was largely different from the original study. The 1986 populations of [[Castle Peak New Town]], [[Sha Tin New Town]], and, to a lesser extent, [[Tsuen Wan New Town]], were not as high as expected, and the plan of a new town in [[Tseung Kwan O]] was abandoned. In this updated scenario, the consultants diminished the scale of the recommended system. The supplementary report stated that the originally suggested four tracks between [[Admiralty (MTR)|Admiralty station]] and [[Mong Kok (MTR)|Mong Kok station]] should be reduced to two, and only the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, and Kwun Tong Line should be constructed in the system. The other lines would be placed in the list of extensions.<ref name="supplementary">{{cite paper|author=Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates|title=Hong Kong Mass Transport Study Supplementary Report|date=1968}}</ref> This report led to the final study in 1970.

In 1970, a system with four lines was laid out and planned as part of the British consultants' new report, ''Hong Kong Mass Transit: Further Studies''. The four lines were to be the Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, and [[East Kowloon Line (MTR)|East Kowloon Line]].<ref name="further">{{cite paper|author=Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates|title=Hong Kong Mass Transport Further Study|date=1970}}</ref> However, the lines that were eventually constructed were somewhat different compared to the lines that were originally proposed by the ''Hong Kong Mass Transport Study''.

In 1972, the Hong Kong government authorised construction of the ''Initial System'', a 20-kilometre system that roughly translates to the Kwun Tong Line of today. Negotiations with four major construction [[consortium|consortia]] started in 1973. The government's intention was to tender the entire project, based on the British design, as a single tender at a fixed price. A consortium from [[Japan]] signed an agreement to construct the system in early 1974, but in December of the same year, it pulled out of the agreement for reasons stemming from fears of the [[1973 oil crisis|Arab oil crisis]].<ref name="thepast">{{cite web|url=http://www.theskytrain.net/hkmtr/Past_History.htm|title=The History|publisher=Hong Kong Mass Transit InfoCenter|date=[[2003-10-27]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

===Modified Initial System (1979 to 1980)===
[[Image:MIS route map eng.png|thumb|250px|"Modified Initial System" Route Map.]]
Several weeks later, in early 1975, a government agency known as the Mass Transport Provisional Authority was established to take charge of the project. It announced that the Initial System would be reduced to 15.6&ndash;kilometres, and renamed it the Modified Initial System. Plans for a single contract were abandoned in favour of 25 engineering contracts and 10 electrical and mechanical contracts. In addition, the government-owned Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) was established to replace the Mass Transport Provisional Authority.

Construction of the Modified Initial System (now part of Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line) commenced in November 1975. The northern section was completed on [[1979-09-30]] and opened on [[1979-10-01]]; on this route, trains ran from [[Shek Kip Mei (MTR)|Shek Kip Mei]] to [[Kwun Tong (MTR)|Kwun Tong]]. The route from [[Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR)|Tsim Sha Tsui]] to Shek Kip Mei was opened in December of the same year.<ref name="thepast" /> The early stations were designed under the supervision of the Chief Architect of MTR, [[Roland Paoletti]].<ref name=Paoletti>{{cite web |url=http://www.architecture.com/NewsAndPress/News/InternationalNews/Press/2002/HongKong-ACityOnTheMove.aspx |title=Hong Kong - A city on the move |publisher=Royal Institute of British Architects |accessdate=2007-10-12 }}</ref>

In 1980, the first [[Victoria Harbour|harbour]] crossing was made by an MTR train as the [[Kwun Tong Line (MTR)|Kwun Tong Line]] was extended even further to Chater station, now known as [[Central (MTR)|Central]] station. To deal with increasing patronage, trains were extended to six cars.

===Line extensions in 1980s===
The government approved construction of the [[Tsuen Wan Line (MTR)|Tsuen Wan Line]] in 1977, then known as Tsuen Wan Extension, and works commenced in November 1978. The project added a 10.5-kilometre section to the MTR system, from [[Prince Edward (MTR)|Prince Edward]] to [[Tsuen Wan (MTR)|Tsuen Wan]]. The line started service on [[1982-05-10]] with a total cost of construction (not adjusted for inflation) at [[HK$]]4.1 billion.<ref name="thepast" />

When service of this line started, the section of the Kwun Tong Line from Chater to Argyle, the present-day [[Mong Kok (MTR)|Mong Kok]] station, was transferred to the Tsuen Wan Line. Thus, [[Yau Ma Tei (MTR)|Waterloo]] became the terminus of the Kwun Tong Line, and both Argyle and Prince Edward stations became interchange stations. This change was made because system planners expected the traffic of the Tsuen Wan Line to exceed that of the Kwun Tong Line. This forecast proved to be accurate, necessitating a bypass from the northwestern New Territories to [[Hong Kong Island]]. The [[Tung Chung Line (MTR)|Tung Chung Line]] was therefore launched in 1998 with an interchange station at [[Lai King (MTR)|Lai King]] for that purpose.<ref name="thepast" />

Although land acquisitions were made for a station at Tsuen Wan West, the station was never built. This is not to be confused with [[Tsuen Wan West Station]] on [[West Rail Line]], which lies on the newly reclaimed area near the former ferry pier.

Since the line's opening in 1982, the Tsuen Wan Line is the only line whose alignment has virtually remained the same for the past 23 years. For example, the Kwun Tong Line's alignment has changed twice since its opening — the taking over of Tsuen Wan Line from Mong Kok to Central, and the taking over of Eastern Harbour Crossing section by the Tseung Kwan O Line.

Government approvals were granted for construction of the [[Island Line (MTR)|Island Line]] in December, 1980. Construction commenced in October, 1981. On [[1985-05-31]] the Island Line was opened with service between [[Admiralty (MTR)|Admiralty]] and [[Chai Wan (MTR)|Chai Wan]] stations. Both Admiralty and [[Central (MTR)|Central]] stations became interchange stations with the Tsuen Wan Line. Furthermore, each train was extended to eight cars.<ref name="thepast" /> On [[1986-05-23]], the Island Line was extended to [[Sheung Wan (MTR)|Sheung Wan]]. Construction for its station was delayed for one year as government offices which sat on top of the station had to be moved to a new location before construction could start.

In 1984, the government approved the construction of the [[Eastern Harbour Crossing]], a tunnel to be used by cars and MTR trains. The [[Kwun Tong Line (MTR)|Kwun Tong Line]] was extended across the harbour on [[1989-08-05]] to [[Quarry Bay (MTR)|Quarry Bay]], which became an interchange station for the Kwun Tong Line and the [[Island Line (MTR)|Island Line]]. An intermediate station, [[Lam Tin (MTR)|Lam Tin]], started operations on [[1989-10-01]].<ref name="thepast" />

===Airport connection===
[[Image:Airport Express Train.jpg|right|thumb|200px|An [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] train. The Airport Express and [[Tung Chung Line (MTR)|Tung Chung Line]] started services in 1998.]]
The decision was made in October 1989 to construct a new international airport at [[Chek Lap Kok]] on [[Lantau Island]] to replace the overcrowded [[Kai Tak Airport|Kai Tak International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.netvigator.com/~wonglt/his/ar1.htm|title=The Airport Railway Project|publisher=Heavy Iron Station|accessdate=2006-03-19}}</ref> The government invited the MTRC to build a train line, then known as the Lantau Airport Railway, to the airport. Construction started in November 1994, after the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] and British governments settled their financial and land disagreements.

The new line was included in the financing plans of the new [[Hong Kong International Airport]] as the airport was not considered viable without direct public transport links. Construction costs were also shared by the MTRC which was granted many large-scale developments in the construction plans for the new stations.

The Lantau Airport Railway turned into two MTR lines, the Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express. The [[Tung Chung Line (MTR)|Tung Chung Line]] was officially opened on [[1998-06-21]] by [[Hong Kong Chief Executive]] [[Tung Chee Hwa]], and service commenced the next day. The [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] opened for service on [[1998-07-06]] along with the new Hong Kong International Airport.<ref name="thepast" />

The Airport Express line is the second most popular means of transport to the Hong Kong International Airport after buses. In 2006, 23% of the commuters took the Airport Express to and from the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/2006frpt_e/F110.pdf|title=Annual Report 2006|pages=P.21|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|date=2006|accessdate=2007-07-18}}</ref>

==Line extensions in 2000s==
===Tseung Kwan O Line===
The Quarry Bay Congestion Relief Works involved extending the [[Hong Kong Island]] end of the [[Kwun Tong Line (MTR)|Kwun Tong Line]] from [[Quarry Bay (MTR)|Quarry Bay]] to [[North Point (MTR)|North Point]] via a 4.2&ndash;kilometre tunnel. The project was initiated due to overcrowding at [[Quarry Bay (MTR)|Quarry Bay]] and persistent passenger complaints about the 5-minute walk from the [[Island Line (MTR)|Island Line]] platforms to the Kwun Tong Line platform. Construction began in September 1997 and was completed in September 2001 at a cost of [[Hong Kong dollar|HK$]]3.0 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theskytrain.net/hkmtr/Past_QBR.htm|title=Quarry Bay Congestion Relief Works|publisher=Hong Kong Mass Transit InfoCenter|date=[[2003-10-27]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>
[[Image:Po Lam MTR Station Exit A.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The [[Tseung Kwan O Line (MTR)|Tseung Kwan O Line]] was opened in 2002 to serve new housing developments.]]
Construction of the [[Tseung Kwan O Line (MTR)|Tseung Kwan O Line]] was approved on [[1998-08-18]] to serve new housing developments. Construction began on [[1999-04-24]] and the line officially opened in 2002, taking over the train tracks running through the [[Eastern Harbour Tunnel]] from the Kwun Tong Line, running from [[Po Lam (MTR)|Po Lam]] to [[North Point (MTR)|North Point]]. When the line was opened, the Kwun Tong Line was diverted to [[Tiu Keng Leng (MTR)|Tiu Keng Leng]] on the new line. Construction costs were partly covered by the Hong Kong Government and private developers which linked construction of the Tseung Kwan O Line to new real estate and commercial developments. Previously under-developed areas were opened up for development with more transport options.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theskytrain.net/hkmtr/Past_TKE.htm|title=Tseung Kwan O Extension|publisher=Hong Kong Mass Transit InfoCenter|date=[[2003-10-27]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

===West Rail Line===
While the construction of the Tung Chung Line was still underway, the plan to build a railway corridor serving the northwestern New Territories was conceived. Space had been reserved for the addition of an interchange station and two extra tracks (to allow non-stop service for the Airport Express) between [[Olympic (MTR)|Olympic]] and [[Lai King (MTR)|Lai King]]. Originally known as the Airport Railway Phase 2, the contracts of the West Rail Interface Works were awarded shortly after construction works of the West Rail commenced. The project comprised Mei Foo Interchange (modification of the existing Mei Foo station on the Tsuen Wan Line to provide a pedestrian link to the West Rail [[Mei Foo Station]]; [[Nam Cheong Station]] (an interchange station on the Tung Chung Line, jointly operated by the MTRCL and KCRC) and 4-Tracking Works (the additional two tracks, 4&ndash;kilometres in length, allow the Tung Chung Line trains to stop at Nam Cheong without obstructing the passage of [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] trains).<ref name="kcrworks">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/extensions/extensions_2.html|title=Recently Completed Projects|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> The works were completed in stages. The Tung Chung Line trains have been diverted to the new track since mid May 2003, whereas the Mei Foo station interchange subway and the Nam Cheong station were opened at the same time the West Rail opened for public use in December 2003.

===Interchange Works===
Two major works were undertaken to facilitate interchange between MTR and KCR East Rail. The modification of [[Kowloon Tong (MTR)|Kowloon Tong]] station started in June 2001. A new pedestrian link to East Rail [[Kowloon Tong (KCR)|Kowloon Tong]] station southern concourse and a new entrance were completed in June 2003 to cope with the increase in interchange passenger flow.<ref name="kcrworks" /> Modification to [[Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR)|Tsim Sha Tsui]] Station involved upgrading station facilities and concourse layout to facilitate access from the [[East Tsim Sha Tsui (KCR)|East Tsim Sha Tsui]] East Rail station via its pedestrian links. New entrances to the subway links were opened on [[2004-09-19]] (for KCR Mody Road subway) and [[2005-03-30]] (for Nathan Road subway, which connects to KCR Middle Road subway), with the whole scheme completed in May 2005.

===Disneyland Extension===
[[Image:HK MTR DisneyResortLine Sunny Bay platform trains.JPG|right|thumb|250px|A Disneyland Resort Line train waiting to depart]]
The [[Disneyland Resort Line (MTR)|Disneyland Resort Line]], previously known as Penny's Bay Rail Link, provides service to the [[Hong Kong Disneyland Resort]] which was opened on [[2005-09-12]]. Service to [[Sunny Bay (MTR)|Sunny Bay]] station on the [[Tung Chung Line (MTR)|Tung Chung Line]] started service in 2005. The new line and Disneyland Resort station opened for service on August 1st of that year. It is a 3.5&ndash;kilometre single-track railway that runs between Sunny Bay station and Disneyland Resort station; The Disneyland Resort station itself is designed to blend in with the Hong Kong Disneyland to create a resort ambience. The line currently operates fully-automated, driver-less trains running every four to ten minutes, the carriages of which were converted from the existing M-Train rolling stock to suit the recreational and adventurous nature of the 3.5 minute journey.<ref name="disney">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/drllaunch/drllaunch_e.htm|title=MTR Disneyland Resort Line|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

===Further Expansion of the Airport Express===
The new [[AsiaWorld-Expo (MTR)|AsiaWorld-Expo]] station is an extension of the Airport Express serving the new international exhibition centre, known as the [[AsiaWorld-Expo]] at Hong Kong International Airport. The station opened on [[2005-12-20]] along with the exhibition centre. To cope with the projected increase in patronage, Airport Express trains have been expanded to utilise eight carriages from the previous seven. Additional trains will also be deployed on the Tung Chung line during major exhibitions and events.<ref name="mtrexpan">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/extensions/inprogress_hongkong_e.htm|title=Projects in Progress (Hong Kong)|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

===Privatisation and merger===
{{main|MTR Corporation Limited}}
[[Image:Maritime Square.jpg|right|thumb|thumb|[[Maritime Square]], one of the major properties financing the MTR]]

On [[2000-10-05]] the operator of the MTR network, [[MTR Corporation Limited]] (MTRCL), became Hong Kong's first [[privatisation|privatised]] rail and metro company, marking the beginning of the Hong Kong government's planned initiative to wind down its interests in various public [[utility|utilities]]. Prior to its listing on the [[Hong Kong Stock Exchange]], the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) was wholly owned by the Hong Kong Government. The offering involved the sale of around one billion [[share]]s, and the company now has the largest [[shareholder]] base of any company listed in Hong Kong. In June 2001, MTRCL was transferred to the [[Hang Seng Index]].

MTRCL has always been reliant on developing properties next to railway stations for its profits to complement its already profitable rail lines. Many recently built stations are incorporated into large housing estates or shopping complexes. Examples can be seen at [[Tsing Yi (MTR)|Tsing Yi]] station, which is built next to the [[Maritime Square]] shopping centre, and directly underneath the [[Tierra Verde]] housing estate.

On [[2006-04-11]], MTRCL signed a non-binding [[Memorandum of Understanding]] with the [[Hong Kong Government]], the owner of [[Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation|KCRC]], to merge the operation of the two railway networks of Hong Kong.<ref name="merger1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-06-027a-E.pdf|title=MTR Corporation Signs Memorandum of Understanding with The Government on Terms of Proposed Rail Merger|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|date=[[2006-04-11]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref><ref name="merger2">{{cite web|url=http://www.kcrc.com/html/eng/archives/merger_update/press_release_merger_eng_.pdf|title=KCRC welcomes Government’s announcement on way forward for rail merger|publisher=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation|date=[[2006-04-11]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> The merger proposal has been approved by the minority shareholders of the Corporation in an Extraordinary General Meeting held on [[9 October]], [[2007]], allowing MTRCL to take over the operation of the [[KCR]] network and combine the fare system of the two networks on [[2 December]], [[2007]].<ref name = Mergerapprove>{{cite news|title = Rail merger proposal approved by shareholders (兩鐵合併獲股東表決通過)|language = Traditional Chinese|publisher = Ming Pao Instant News|url = http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20071009/gb21826c.htm|date= 2007-10-09|accessdate = 2007-10-09}}</ref><ref name=MergerPDF>{{cite web|title = Poll Result of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 9 October 2007|work = MTR Corporation|publisher = Hong Kong Stock Exchange|date= 2007-10-09|url = http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/sehk/Results_Announcement_e.pdf|format = PDF |accessdate = 2007-10-09}}</ref>

After the merger, the MTR network included three more lines, [[East Rail Line]], [[West Rail Line]] and [[Ma On Shan Line]], together with the [[Light Rail (MTR)|Light Rail]] network.

==Infrastructure==
===Network===
<center>
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|-
! Line
! Opening Year
!colspan="2"| Terminus
! Stations
! Running time (mins)
! Depot
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|East Rail}}
| 1910 || [[East Tsim Sha Tsui Station|East Tsim Sha Tsui]] || [[Lo Wu Station|Lo Wu]] /<br>[[Lok Ma Chau Station|Lok Ma Chau]] || 15 || 44 || [[Ho Tung Lau]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Kwun Tong}}
| 1979 || [[Yau Ma Tei Station|Yau Ma Tei]] || [[Tiu Keng Leng Station|Tiu Keng Leng]] || 15 || 27 || [[Kowloon Bay]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Tsuen Wan}}
| 1982 || [[Central Station (MTR)|Central]] || [[Tsuen Wan Station|Tsuen Wan]] || 16 || 30 || [[Tsuen Wan]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Island}}
| 1985 || [[Sheung Wan Station|Sheung Wan]] || [[Chai Wan Station|Chai Wan]] || 14 || 25 || [[Heng Fa Chuen]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Light Rail}}
| 1988 || -- || -- || 68 || Varies || [[Tuen Mun]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Tung Chung}}
| 1998 || [[Hong Kong Station|Hong Kong]] || [[Tung Chung Station|Tung Chung]] || 8 || 28 || [[Siu Ho Wan]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Airport Express}}
| 1998 || [[Hong Kong Station|Hong Kong]] || [[AsiaWorld-Expo Station|AsiaWorld-Expo]] || 5 || 28 || [[Siu Ho Wan]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Tseung Kwan O}}
| 2002 || [[North Point Station|North Point]] || [[Po Lam Station|Po Lam]] || 7 || 15 || [[Tseung Kwan O South]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|West Rail}}
| 2003 || [[Nam Cheong Station|Nam Cheong]] || [[Tuen Mun Station|Tuen Mun]] || 9 || 30 || [[Pat Heung]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Ma On Shan}}
| 2004 || [[Wu Kai Sha Station|Wu Kai Sha]] || [[Tai Wai Station|Tai Wai]] || 9 || 16 || [[Tai Wai]]
|-
! {{HK-MTR lines|Disneyland Resort}}
| 2005 || [[Sunny Bay Station|Sunny Bay]] || [[Disneyland Resort Station|Disneyland Resort]] || 2 || 4 || [[Siu Ho Wan]]
|}
[[Image:Hong Kong Railway Route Map en.svg|center|750px|System map of the MTR effective from 2 December 2007.]]</center>

===Traffic control centres===
There are a total of four traffic control centres in MTR, responsible for traffic and trains control on different lines:
* Tsing Yi Operations Control Centre (for Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express)
* Fo Tan Operations Control Centre (for East Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line)
* West Rail Line Operations Control Centre (for West Rail Line)
* Light Rail Operations Control Centre (for Light Rail)

===Depots===
Depots are located at:
* [[Ho Tung Lau]] (for East Rail Line)
* [[Kowloon Bay]] (for Kwun Tong Line)
* [[Tsuen Wan]] (for Tsuen Wan Line)
* [[Heng Fa Chuen]] (for Island Line)
* [[Siu Ho Wan]] (for [[Tung Chung Line]], [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]], and [[Disneyland Resort Line]])
* [[Tseung Kwan O South]] (for Tseung Kwan O Line)
* [[Pat Heung]] (for West Rail Line)
* [[Tai Wai]] Maintenance Centre (for Ma On Shan Line)
* [[Tuen Mun]] (for Light Rail)

===Interchange stations===
[[Image:poly-cpi.png|thumb|250px|The multiple [[cross-platform interchange|cross-platform-interchange]] system between [[Tiu Keng Leng (MTR)|Tiu Keng Leng station]] and [[Yau Tong (MTR)|Yau Tong station]].]]
Interchange stations between the Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O lines are arranged in pairs; such an arrangement allows [[cross-platform interchange]] wherein a passenger leaves a train on one side of the platform and boards trains on the other side of the platform for another line. For example, when passengers are travelling on the [[Kwun Tong (MTR)|Kwun Tong Line]] towards [[Tiu Keng Leng (MTR)|Tiu Keng Leng]], getting off at [[Yau Tong (MTR)|Yau Tong]] would allow them to switch trains across the platform for the [[Tseung Kwan O Line (MTR)|Tseung Kwan O Line]] towards [[North Point (MTR)|North Point]]. Whereas, staying on the train and reaching [[Tiu Keng Leng (MTR)|Tiu Keng Leng]] would allow them to board the Tseung Kwan O Line trains towards [[Po Lam (MTR)|Po Lam]].

This mechanism makes interchanging more convenient and passengers do not have the need to change to different levels. However this interchange arrangement is not available for all transferring passengers at [[Sunny Bay Station|Sunny Bay]], [[Nam Cheong Station|Nam Cheong]], [[Mei Foo Station|Mei Foo]], [[Kowloon Tong Station|Kowloon Tong]], [[Quarry Bay Station|Quarry Bay]], [[Central Station (MTR)|Central]] and [[Hong Kong Station|Hong Kong]] stations.

===Feeder Bus===
{{main|MTR Feeder Bus}}

At East Rail Line (and several West Rail Line) [[Tai Po Market Station|Tai Po Market]] and [[East Tsim Sha Tsui Station|East Tsim Sha Tsui]] stations, MTR has (recently by KCR) 5 routes; K12, K14, K16, K17, K18. The buses normally terminate at housing estates or major landmarks such as [[Jusco]] and Tai Po Central. These feeder bus routes are run under the MTR name but are operated by [[Kowloon Motor Bus]].

=== Station facilities, amenities and services ===
[[Image:MTR PIDS East Rail Line.gif|thumb|Real-time information is provided on every platform]]
[[Image:HK TaiWaiStation Lift.jpg|thumb|Most heavy-rail stations have elevators which connect the platform to the concourse]]

As compared to other metro systems in the world such as those found in Eastern Europe, architecture of MTR stations is less artistic, instead focusing on structural practicability. With the high level of daily passenger traffic, facilities of the MTR stations are built with [[durable|durability]] and [[accessibility]] in mind. After extensive retrofitting, the MTR system has become, in general, [[Easy Access|disabled-friendly]] &mdash; the trains have dedicated [[wheelchair]] space, the stations have special floor tiles to guide the [[Blindness|blind]] safely on the platforms, and there are extra wide entry and exit gates for [[wheelchair]]s as well.

====Mobile network accessibility====
A full [[Global System for Mobile Communications|GSM]] ([[GSM frequency ranges|GSM-900]] and [[GSM frequency ranges|GSM-1800]]), [[IS-95|CDMA]] and [[IS-136|TDMA]] mobile phone network is in place through out the MTR system of stations and tunnels allowing passengers to stay connected underground. Currently, full [[UMTS|3G]] network coverage in all stations and tunnels for the MTR system has been provided by [[3 (telecommunications)|3 Hong Kong]], [[SmarTone-Vodafone]] and [[Pacific Century Cyberworks|PCCW Mobile]]. Passengers with subscription services will be able to make video calls and access high speed video content on their mobile phones regardless whether the train is above ground or under ground.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/June2005/1550.htm|title=First 3G Operator to Connect to Four Major MTR line|publisher=3G.co.uk|date=[[2005-06-07]]|accessdate=2007-06-07}}</ref> On the other hand, the MTR is going to provide Wi-Fi access service in 14 of its stations, and might extend the services to trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkheadline.com/news/html_wnn/html/2007/12/13/wnn40159.html?section_name=wnn|title=港鐵14車站設Wi-Fi (Chinese)|publisher=Headline News|date=[[2007-12-13]]|accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref>

====Public toilet installment concern====
Unlike many other metro systems around the world, "main line" MTR stations do not have toilet facilities opened for public, although their installation has been contemplated. Only on request may passengers use MTR staff toilets. MTRCL reiterated that it would not consider retrofitting existing underground toilets.<ref name="MergerBill">{{cite web|url=http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/bc/bc03/papers/bc030518cb1-1646-2-e.pdf|title=Bills Committee on Rail Merger Bill, Administration’s Response to the Follow-up to Bills Committee Meetings|publisher=Hong Kong Legislative Council|accessdate=2007-11-06}}</ref> Only stations on the [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] and [[Disneyland Resort Line (MTR)|Disneyland Resort Line]], and former KCR stations have access to toilet facilities. MTRCL has received criticism from Hong Kong Legislative Council Members for not willing to install toilet facilities in main line stations during Legco Rail Merger Bill discussions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=46440&sid=13990066&con_type=1&d_str=20070609|title= Legco gets rail merger back on track|publisher=The Standard|date=[[2007-06-09]]|accessdate=2007-11-06}}</ref> MTRCL indicated in rail merger discussions that it would carry out a review of the feasibility of installing public toilets at or in the vicinity of its above-ground railway stations.<ref name="MergerBill" /> Furthermore, discussions between the Government and MTRCL have taken into account Legco members' request or a stronger commitment by the corporation on the provision of public toilets on new railway lines and resulted in MTRCL agreeing to include the provision of toilet facilities within, or adjacent to, stations in the overall design parameters for all future new railway lines, subject to planning and regulatory approval and any concerns raised by residents in the vicinity about the location of external ventilation exhausts.<ref name="ToiletMeeting">{{cite web|url=http://library.legco.gov.hk:1080/articles/1053393.53393/1.PDF|title=Provision of Public Toilets in MTR Railway Stations|publisher=Hong Kong Legislative Council Panel|accessdate=2007-11-07}}</ref>

====In-station stores and free reading materials====
Until recently, MTR stations only had branches of the [[Hang Seng Bank]] and [[Maxim's Cakes]] stores, owned by [[Jardine Matheson]], and a handful of other shops. Since the privatisation of MTRC, however, numerous shops have been added to certain stations, turning them into miniature shopping centres. Services available at most stations include [[Automatic teller machine|ATMs]] and [[7-Eleven]] or [[Circle K]] [[convenience stores]]. Free magazines and newspapers are distributed across MTR stations. ''Recruit'' was the first free magazine which was solely distributed in MTR stations since July 1992, but the contract between the magazine and MTR was terminated in July 2002. Another recruitment magazine ''Jiu Jik'' (招職), published by ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', replaced ''Recruit'' as the only free recruitment magazine distributed in MTR stations on every Tuesdays and Fridays. The ''[[Metropolis Daily]]'' (都市日報), published by [[Metro International]], is the first free newspaper distributed free in MTR stations from Monday to Friday (except [[Public holidays in Hong Kong|public holidays]]); and in 2005, there is another weekend newspaper ''Express Post'' (快線周報), distributed every Saturday except public holidays. The ''Metropop'' (都市流行), a weekly magazine featuring cultural affairs and city trends also published by [[Metro International]], started its distribution in MTR stations every Thursdays since [[2006-04-27]], few months after the termination of ''Hui Kai Guide'' (去街 Guide) in 2006.

====Complimentary services on Airport Express====
The [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] also offer value-added services to travellers on the line. Airport check-in facilities are available at Kowloon Station and Hong Kong Station. A free Airport Express shuttle bus service transports travellers from stations to their respective hotels as well. Flight passengers can even have in-town check-in at the station, which offers a more convenient and time-saving routine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/train/ae_compli_e.htm|title=Complimentary service exclusively for Airport Express Passengers|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2006-04-17}}</ref>

==Future expansions==
{{main|Future projects of the MTR}}
[[Image:FutureMTRNetworkAfterMerger.png|right|thumb|250px|Possible network map of MTR in future]]

Several future projects on the MTR have been put forward by [[MTR Corporation Limited|MTRCL]] to the [[Government of Hong Kong|Hong Kong Government]], some already under construction. The network was significantly expanded after the merger of MTRCL with the government-owned [[Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation|KCRC]]. A non-binding [[Memorandum of Understanding]] was signed on [[2006-04-11]] to grant MTRCL operation of the existing [[KCR]] network with a service concession of 50 years. The new [[Sha Tin to Central Link]] that was originally awarded to KCRC would also be operated by MTRCL.<ref name="merger1" /><ref name="merger2" />

Provisions are made to upgrade the existing infrastructure of the MTR. New [[Subway (underpass)|subway]] links to the stations are also being made for better access, and an extension for the [[Tseung Kwan O Line]] to create a branch line to [[Lohas Park Station]] has been gazetted. A further proposal to extend the existing [[Kwun Tong Line]] to [[Whampoa Garden]], together in a tie-up with the Sha Tin to Central Link expansion have been made in April 2006. In March 2008, the MTR Corporation welcomes the Government’s decision for the Corporation to proceed with further planning and design for the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the Shatin to Central Link. The construction of the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the section from Shatin to Hung Hom is expected to complete in 2015, the section from Hung Hom to Central is expected
to complete in 2019.<ref name="mtrexpan" />

The [[West Island Line and South Island Line]], first put forward to the government by MTRCL on [[2003-01-21]], only received approval on [[2005-06-30]] after its heavily-modified fourth proposal. This consisted of West Island Line extending the Island Line to [[Kennedy Town]], South Island Line (East section) from [[Admiralty (MTR)|Admiralty]] to Ap Lei Chau and South Island Line (West section) that connects the previous two lines. The construction of West Island Line and the South Island Line (East section) is expected to complete in 2013 and 2015 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/extensions/sil-introduction.htm|title=West Island Line & South Island Line|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

Two lines are being built or proposed to connect the [[West Rail Line]] and the [[East Rail Line]]. The 4.5&nbsp;km [[Kowloon Southern Link]] will soon connect the West Rail Line [[Nam Cheong Station]] with the East Rail Line [[East Tsim Sha Tsui Station]] with an intermediate stop at [[West Kowloon Station]]. The [[Northern Link]] will be a new line which connects West Rail Line with the [[Lok Ma Chau Spur Line]] of East Rail Line.

==Rolling stock==
<!-- This section is currently poor in detail, please help clean the page up. -->
Six variations of [[Electric Multiple Unit]] rolling stock operate on the MTR network. All operate on 1432 mm [[rail gauge]] (near standard gauge) or 1435 mm ([[standard gauge]]). Except for the rolling stock of the [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]], all trains are designed with features to cope with high density passenger traffic on frequently used services. Examples are the [[chair|seating]] arrangements, additional [[Ventilation (architecture)|ventilation]] [[fan (implement)|fan]]s and 5 doors on each side per car. The MTR uses the longest (~23 m), widest and highest capacity rolling stocks (~350 passengers/car) of any [[metro system]] in the world, with all trains (excluding those on the [[Disneyland Resort Line]], [[Ma On Shan Line]], [[West Rail Line]] and [[East Rail Line]]) consisting of 8 cars.

MTR trains emitted 412,514 tonnes of [[carbon dioxide]] in 2006, but 23% of total traction energy was saved through [[Regenerative brake|regenerative braking]], a feature used on mainly newer trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/sustainability/sustainrpt/2006rpt/2006-g3.html|title=GRI Content Index|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref>

In addition, three EMU models (of East Rail/West Rail, Ma On Shan Rail and Tung Chung/Airport Express Lines) have a slightly [[bullet train]] head in the front to avoid drag. Therefore, it uses less energy to speed up. Trains with the bullet train head have mostly have a greater acceleration speed compared with other MTR EMUs. For example, the K-Stock has an acceleration rate of 4.72 km/h/s (1.3 m/s<sup>2</sup>) while an older EMU, the M-Stock only has an acceleration rate of 3.6 km/h/s (1.0 m/s<sup>2</sup>).

===Modernization Trains===
[[Image:MTR Hong Kong M-Stock train.JPG|thumb|Interior of an [[MTR M-Train EMU|M-Train]] compartment.]]
{{mainarticle|MTR M-Train EMU}}
Known as M-Trains, the oldest model of MTR since its operation. M-Trains can be divided into different "Stocks". The M-Stock (or CM-Stock") of M-Train are the oldest trains on the MTR, built originally by [[Metro Cammell]] (now [[Alstom]]) and refurbished by [[United Goninan]].<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.transport.alstom.com/home/Products_and_Services/RAIL_VEHICLES/Passenger_trains/Urban_trains/10918.EN.php?languageId=EN&dir=/home/Products_and_Services/RAIL_VEHICLES/Passenger_trains/Urban_trains/&docLink=7628
|title=Metro in Hong Kong
|publisher=ALSTOM Transport
|accessdate=2006-03-16}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.unitedgoninan.com.au/goninan/news/news06.htm|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20040315123138/www.unitedgoninan.com.au/goninan/news/news06.htm
|title=United Group Limited secures $40 million Hong Kong rail maintenance contract
|publisher=United Goninan Limited
|archivedate=2004-03-15
|date=January 2002
|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> The M-Train uses sliding doors, unlike K-Stocks and A-Stocks which use plug-doors. They are in service on [[Kwun Tong Line]], [[Tsuen Wan Line]], [[Island Line]] and [[Tseung Kwan O Line]].

The [[Disneyland Resort Line]] uses driverless M-Train with their appearance overhauled to suit the atmosphere and theme of the line.<ref name="lantau" /> Windows on each carriage and the handrails inside are made into the shape of [[Mickey Mouse]]'s head, and there are bronze-made [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] characters decorating the interior of the carriages.

===K-Stock trains===
{{mainarticle|MTR K-Stock EMU}}
The K-Stock are built jointly by [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]] and [[ROTEM]], first put into service on the [[Kwun Tong Line]].<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotem.co.kr/eng/Business_Activities/RollingStock/Emu/EMU_hongkong.asp
|title=MTRC TKE C651 EMU, Hong Kong
|publisher=Rotem Company
|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> Subsequently in 2006, four additional sets joined the [[Tung Chung Line]] to cope with the increasing passenger traffic.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotem.co.kr/eng/board/read.asp?seq=13&page=1
|title=New trains ordered for Tung Chung Line, Hong Kong
|publisher=Rotem Company
|accessdate=2007-04-02}}</ref> K-Stock trains have come under criticism when it was first put into service due to delays and door safety issues.<ref name="review0203legco">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr02-03/english/panels/tp/papers/tp1017cb1-540-1e.pdf
|title=Review of MTRC Services and Incidents
|publisher=Hong Kong Legislative Council
|accessdate=2007-11-06}}</ref> There have been incidents where passengers have been injured by its doors and other service reliability issues have led to MTRCL "minimising the number of Korean trains for passenger service until a higher reliability of the systems concerned is achieved".<ref name="review0203legco" />

===A-Stock trains===
{{mainarticle|MTR A-Stock EMU}}
The [[Tung Chung Line]] and the [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]] are operated by A-Stock specified to their respective lines. Initially run in 7-car formations, they have now been lengthened to eight cars. These two variations are built jointly by [[Adtranz]] (now [[Bombardier]] Transportations) and [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles]] (CAF) between 1994–97.<ref name=lantau>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/hong_kong/
|title=Lantau Line and Airport Railway, Hong Kong, China
|publisher=SPG Media PLC
|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> Since 2006, [[MTR K-Stock EMU|K-Stock]] has also been used on the Tung Chung line.

===SP1900 and East Rail Line Metro Cammell trains===
[[Image:SP1900 E227.jpg|thumb|An [[MTR EMU SP1900|SP1900]] in service on the [[East Rail Line]]]]
[[Image:KCR Light Rail Route 751.jpg|thumb|A 2-car Comeng Light Rail tram]]
{{mainarticle|MTR EMU SP1900|East Rail Line Metro Cammell EMU}}
Both [[East Rail Line]] and [[West Rail Line]] use the SP1900 while [[Ma On Shan Line]] uses SP1950, a shorter model of the SP1900. The older Metro Cammell EMU are also used on [[East Rail Line]]. The electrification system used on these lines is 25 kV AC, 50 Hz, as opposed to the 1.5&ndash;[[volt|kV]] [[Direct current|DC]] used on the urban lines. Should the need arise in the future, dual-voltage trains such as those utilized on [[Oresund Bridge]] shall be required.

These two models of rolling stock are from the former [[KCRC]] network (KCR East Rail, West Rail and Ma On Shan Rail). They did not receive major changes after the merger of 2 companies except for the updated route map, the exterior company logo and such. The capability of these EMU fleet is similar to those on the urban network.

===Light Rail trams===
Rolling stocks running on [[Light Rail (MTR)|Light Rail]] system were ordered from 3 different manufacturers, they are [[Commonwealth Engineering]] (Comeng), [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company|Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] and [[United Goninan]]. Designed to run on the standard gauge, 750V DC through overhead lines. Trams are usually operating on 1 to 2-car while the second carriage functions as trailer only. The modernized arrangement allows each car to load approximately 300 units with 26 seats and 4 sets of [[poach seat]] provide flexible riding for passengers.

{{clear}}

==Fares and tickets==
After the rail merger, there are three different fare classes on the MTR: Adult, Students and Concessionary. Only children below the age of 12, [[senior citizen]]s 65 years or older are eligible for the concessionary rate on all lines. Full-time Hong Kong students between the ages of 12 and 25 qualify for the concessionary rate on the {{HK-MTR lines|Tsuen Wan}}, {{HK-MTR lines|Kwun Tong}}, {{HK-MTR lines|Island}}, {{HK-MTR lines|Tseung Kwan O}}, {{HK-MTR lines|Tung Chung}} and {{HK-MTR lines|Disneyland Resort}}. Lines that were operated by [[KCRC]] before the merger are not included in the concessionary fare scheme for students. Children below the age of 3 travel free (unless they exceed the height range).

Similar to some other metro systems in the world, the fare payable by a passenger depends on the approximate distance travelled. However, taking any particular station as the origin, the other stations fall into fare "zones" depending on the distance from the origin. The fare to all stations in a "zone" is the same and increases with distance, especially if the journey involves a harbour crossing. Adult fares range from [[Hong Kong Dollar|HK$]]3.00 to $47.50. Concessionary fares are usually half the adult fare, and range from HK$2.20 to $23.80. Student fares are the same as child and elderly fare on the urban lines, but are the same as the Adult fares on the ex-KCR lines, and range from HK$2.20 to $39.40. Fares for the Airport Express Line are significantly higher. Services to border stations ([[Lo Wu]] and [[Lok Ma Chau]]) are also more expensive than ordinary fares.

MTR does not provide concessionary fares for the disabled. Legislators such as Social welfare constituency legislator Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung and those from Hong Kong Association for Democracy & People's Livelihood have for years demanded that such concessions be put in place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cheungchiuhung.org/index.php?tn=cms&ncid=13&nid=213&lang=plain|title=Social Inclusion without Corporate Social Responsibilities?|publisher=立法會張超雄議員 Limited|accessdate=2007-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/hc/sub_com/hs01/minutes/hs010404.pdf|title=Subcommittee to Study the Transport Needs of and Provision of Concessionary Public Transport Fares for Persons with Disabilities|publisher=Hong Kong Legislative Council Limited|accessdate=2007-11-06}}</ref>

Single journey tickets and octopus card reloads can be purchased at vending machines while tourist passes, octopus cards and other special tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter. Credit cards are only accepted to purchase Airport Express tickets.

===Octopus cards===
{{main|Octopus card}}
[[Image:OctopusFrontNew.jpg|thumb|Obverse side of a standard adult card]]
[[Image:MTR Adult Single Journey Ticket.jpg|thumb|A single journey ticket for Adults]]
The [[Octopus card]] is a rechargeable contactless [[smart card]] used in an electronic payment system in Hong Kong developed by Australian-based company ERG Group. It was launched in September 1997 for use on the MTR (and [[KCR]], now operated by MTR) and now is the most widely used [[electronic cash system]] for transactions in Hong Kong as many retailers (including McDonalds Hong Kong) are fitted with readers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.octopus.com.hk/history/en/index.jsp|title=Our History|publisher=Octopus Holdings Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> The technology used was Sony's Felica line of smartcard.

The Octopus card uses [[RFID|radio frequency identification]] ([[RFID]]) technology so that users need only hold the card in front of the reader. Physical contact is not required, and the card need not even be taken out because the reader can penetrate through material. Many people leave their card inside their handbags or briefcase and simply pass their bag over the reader. This fare collection system has been so popular that many major cities such as [[Singapore]], [[London]] and [[Chicago]] have adopted the idea, launching their own version of [[smart cards]], respectively named [[EZ-link]], [[Oyster card]], and [[EasyCard]].

Except for the Airport Express, MTR fares are slightly lower when using an Octopus card compared to using single journey tickets. For example, the cost of the 3-minute journey from [[Admiralty (MTR)|Admiralty]] to [[Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR)|Tsim Sha Tsui]] across the [[Victoria Harbour]] is (as of 2005) HK$7.7 using the Octopus card, compared with HK$8.5 for a single-journey ticket.<ref name="jourplanner">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/jplanner/eng/planner_index.php?go_step=1&start=2&destin=3&spot=1|title=Journey Time & Fare (Admiralty→Tsim Sha Tsui) |publisher=MTR Corporation|accessdate=2007-12-25}}</ref>

===Tourist pass===
Two types of tourist passes are available: one allows unlimited rides on the urban lines for a single day (at HK$50), one allows unlimited rides on the East Rail Line, West Rail Line, Feeder Buses and Light Rail ($30), while the other allows three days of unlimited rides on the urban lines, with a stored value of HK$20, refundable deposit of HK$50 and choice of either a single (HK$220) or return (HK$300) trip on the Airport Express.

Tourists are required to produce proof of tourist status, (e.g. passports or, in the case of [[Mainland China|Mainland]] travellers, entry permits) when purchasing the pass, and whenever requested by a ticket inspector during spot-checks.

===Other fares===
The [[magnet]]ic fare card system is used for single journey tickets. These tickets are pre-paid for between pre-determined stations, and are good for only one trip. There are no return tickets, except on the Airport Express.

Fares for the Airport Express are substantially different from main line fares. Apart from single tickets, same-day return tickets (same price as a single), and one-month return tickets are also available.

A one-day pass can be used to unlimited travel to/from [[Hong Kong Disneyland]] within the same day, and costs HK$50. This pass can be purchased from any MTR Customer Service Centres or Airport Express Customer Service Centres.<ref name="disney" />

==Safety==
[[Image:MTR Hong Kong platform screen doors.jpg|thumb|right|[[Platform screen doors]] on the Kwun Tong Line at [[Tiu Keng Leng (MTR)|Tiu Keng Leng station]].]]
[[Image:Please Hold The Handrails.jpg|thumb|right|Free magnet from the MTR to promote safe use of [[escalator]]s at [[Choi Hung (MTR)|Choi Hung station]].]]

Various campaigns and activities are taken to help ensure that the MTR is a safe system to travel on. Poster campaigns displaying information on topics such as [[escalator]] safety are a common sight in all MTR stations, and announcements are made regularly as safety reminders to travelling passengers. [[Bylaw]]s were also introduced to deter potentially dangerous actions on the MTR, such as the ban on flammable goods on the MTR and rushing into trains when the doors are closing. [[Sanctions (law)|Penalties]] ranging from [[fine]]s to [[imprisonment]] have been imposed for such offences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_ind.nsf/fb2d3fd8a4e2a3264825647c0030a9e1/790a05aa06e35b004825698400283481?OpenDocument|title=Mass Transit Railway By-laws|publisher=Bilingual Laws Information System, Department of Justice of HKSAR|date=[[2000-06-30]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> Metallic [[balloon]]s are also banned due to previous incidents on [[KCR]] and on MTR's Island Line where a metallic balloon interfered with the operation of the [[Overhead lines|overhead power lines]]. Also, smoking, eating and drinking in subway trains and platforms are prohibited.

Police officers patrol the trains and stations, and police posts are available at some stations. The [[Hong Kong Police Force]] has a Railway District responsible for the MTR. [[Closed-circuit television]] cameras are installed in stations.<ref>{{cite paper|author=López, M.J.J.|title=Crime Prevention Guidelines for the Construction & Management of Metro Systems|publisher=Den Haag: RCM-advies|date=1996}}</ref>

[[Tung Chung Line]], the [[Airport Express (MTR)|Airport Express]], and [[Tseung Kwan O Line (MTR)|Tseung Kwan O Line]] except [[Quarry Bay Station]] had [[platform screen doors]] (PSDs), ordered from Swiss glass door manufacturer ''Kaba Gilgen AG'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaba-gilgen.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Dokumente/PSD/Platform%20Screen%20Doors%20Systemdescription.pdf|title=Automatic Platform Screen Doors for public transportation 29/8/2008|pages=P.7|publisher=Kaba Gilgen AG|date=2002|accessdate=2007-03-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaba.com.cn/e/iv/investor2002-e.pdf|title=Investor's Handbook 2002/2003|pages=P.72|publisher=Kaba Holding AG|date=September 2002|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> installed upon construction. Platform screen doors were also installed upon construction on [[West Rail Line]] and in [[East Tsim Sha Tsui Station]]. These doors prevent people from falling onto the rails, and MTRCL assumed that this implementation was primarily a safety campaign, without heavily promoting it directly. However, the primary motivation was to separate the stations from the tunnels, hence allowing substantial energy savings on station [[air-conditioning]] and tunnel [[ventilation (architecture)|ventilation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/service/service_door.htm|title=Platform Screen Door (2002/8)|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> Automatic platform gates (APGs) have also been installed at the [[Sunny Bay (MTR)|Sunny Bay]] and [[Disneyland Resort (MTR)|Disneyland Resort]] stations. Their heights are half of the PSDs and only prevent people from falling onto the rails.

In June 2000, MTRCL proceeded with its plans to retrofit 2,960 pairs of platform screen doors at all 30 underground stations on the Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, and Island Line in a six year programme. The programme made MTR the world's first railway to undertake the retrofitting of PSDs on a passenger-carrying system already in operation. A prototype design was first introduced at [[Choi Hung (MTR)|Choi Hung]] station in the 3rd quarter of 2001. The whole installation scheme was completed in October 2005. (The original completion year was 2006.) MTRCL said that part of the cost had to be assumed by passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200501/05/0105194.htm|title=LCQ16:Retrofitting of PSDs at MTR stations to be completed by 2006|publisher=HKSAR Government Information Centre|date=[[2005-01-05]]|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>[[HK$]]0.10 per passenger trip was levied on [[Octopus card]] users to help fund the [[HK$]]2 billion retrofit programme.

{{clear}}

==MTR and the Community==
===Art promotion===
{{main|Art in MTR}}
[[Image:Art in MTR living art stage.jpg|thumb|A stage for live art performances in the subway connecting [[Hong Kong (MTR)|Hong Kong Station]] and [[Central (MTR)|Central Station]] .]]

With the objective "not only bring MTR passengers more time for life, but also more time for [[art]]", the "[[Art in MTR]]" Initiative has been a success since its reception in 1998, where the Airport Express Artwork Programme was the pioneer project. Thereafter, live performances, art exhibitions, display of artwork by established and emerging artists, students and young children have been brought into the MTR stations. MTRCL have even made art part of the station [[architecture]] when building new stations or renovating existing ones. Artworks are exhibited in different forms on the network, including "arttube", open art gallery, community art galleries, roving art, living art, and art in station architecture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/artinmtr04/artinart_e.htm|title=art in mtr|publisher=MTR Corporation Limited|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

By incorporating elements of art into the railway network, the travelling environment for the passengers is not only enhanced, but also makes their journeys even more pleasant and enjoyable. Moreover, with MTR stations being an integral part of the neighbourhood, the programme also provides opportunities to promote Hong Kong's community art, encourage art appreciation among the public and give residents a feeling of home at the stations.

===MTR HONG KONG Race Walking===
MTR and [[Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association]] have jointly hosted MTR HONG KONG Race Walking annually in spring since 2005. The [[race walking]] competition aims at promoting healthy living in Hong Kong. The race begins and ends on the ground above Central MTR Station, namely [[Chater Garden]], [[Chater Road]], [[Ice House Street]] and [[Des Voeux Road Central]] in [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/racewalking2007/race2007_pre_e.htm|title=MTR HONG KONG Race Walking 2007|publisher=MTR Corporation|date=2006|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkaaa.com/hkaaa/event/event/Year%202007/mtr%202007/website/main.htm|title=Race information (2007)|publisher=Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA)|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref> There is a fun walk apart from regular competition. Participants make up for fun in the fun walk. The event attracted over 800 participants in 2005 and 1,000 in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkaaa.com/hkaaa/event/event/mtr%2006/website/MTR%2006/info_index.htm|title=Race Information (2006)|publisher=Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA)|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref> Other than [[Hongkonger]]s, the event also attracts [[sportsperson|athlete]]s from various countries. The race raises fund for [[Better Health for a Better Hong Kong]], a [[Hospital Authority]] project for working population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/racewalking2006/race2006_e.htm|title=The City Walks for Fun|date=2006|publisher=MTR Corporation|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/sports/118746.htm|title=Race Walking to Make Debut in Hong Kong|publisher=China.org.cn|date=[[2005-01-24]]|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref>

==See also==
{{commons|MTR Hong Kong}}
{{commonscat|MTR|Category:MTR}}
{{portalpar|Hong Kong|Hong Kong SAR Regional Emblem.svg}}
* [[KCR]]
* [[Transport in Hong Kong]]
* [[MTR Corporation Limited]]
* [[Newsline Express]]
* [[Future projects of the MTR]]
* [[List of Hong Kong MTR stations|List of MTR stations]]
* [[List of metro systems|List of metro systems worldwide]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.mtr.com.hk MTR Corporation Limited]
* [http://www.mtr.com.hk/images/MTR_routemap.jpg Map of the Hong Kong MTR]
* [http://www.mtr.com.hk/jplanner/chi/planner_index.php Journey time and Fare Information]
* [http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/en/index.jsp Information on Octopus Cards used for fare payment in the MTR]

{{MTR}}

{{Rapid transit in China}}

{{Featured article}}

[[Category:MTR| ]]
[[Category:Underground rapid transit systems]]

[[de:Mass Transit Railway]]
[[es:MTR]]
[[fr:Métro de Hong Kong]]
[[ko:홍콩 지하철]]
[[id:MTR]]
[[it:Mass Transit Railway]]
[[nl:Metro van Hongkong]]
[[ja:香港MTR]]
[[ru:Гонконгский метрополитен]]
[[simple:MTR]]
[[fi:Hongkongin metro]]
[[zh-yue:港鐵]]
[[zh:港鐵]]

Revision as of 18:04, 21 May 2008

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