Known for its global financial hub, remarkable cuisines, and stunning skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a city renowned for its bustling and fast-paced lifestyle. The heart of this densely packed metropolis lies impressive interconnectedness and convenience, facilitated by its efficient public transportation systems. The MTR corporation, known to most as the MTR, is a major transportation company that operates an extensive underground railway network in Hong Kong. The systems engineering behind the MTR involves the process of its design, construction, and operation, which serves a reliable and inexpensive means of transport for the city’s population.
Networks and Stations Design
MTR stations are meticulously designed with focus on efficient flow and passenger convenience. The station layouts are optimised to facilitate easy transfer between lines, with major stations connected to multiple lines.
See the full MTR systems map above.
For example, the Island line’s Central and Admiralty stations experience high-traffic and significant human congestion. The Central station is connected to the Tung Chung line and Airport Express, and the Admiralty station to the Tsuen Wan, East Rail, and South Island line to strategically maximise convenience and efficiency.
Systems Within the MTR System
Automatic train control (ATC): allowing the MTR train to be fully automated, only leaving the door operation and starting the train to the operator
Communication-based train control (CBTC): leverages automatic, communication, and electronic control technologies to provide seamless precision and control
Electrified third rail system: trains are self-propelled through power from an electric rail
“We Should Be Building Cities for People, Not Cars”
Hong Kong’s MTR system stands out as a rare example of public transportation that generates revenue, rather than operating from government funding. The MTR Corporation utilises a successful financial model that can be attributed to its integrated commercial activities and property development, a key part of its revenue generation strategy.
The property development division has contributed to projects such as shopping centres, offices, and residential complexes, a recent example being Lohas Park. Various corporations and entities, including brands like 7-Eleven, hold large shares and operate retail outlets within metro stations. Additionally, shopping malls such as IFC (Central station) and Times Square (Causeway Bay station) are directly linked to their respective stations, providing additional revenue streams for the system.
The MTR system’s integrated approach has contributed to its financial success, creating a sustainable and independent model that is continuing to expand and improve the transportation network for Hong Kong’s residents and visitors.
Works Cited
Maggie Hiufu Wong. “Hong Kong’s MTR: Taking a Ride on the World’s Most Envied Metro System.” CNN, CNN, 30 Mar. 2015, edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hong-kong-mtr-success-story/index.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023.
Mavis (2023). Communication-Based Train Control Architecture and its Attack Aspects | TXOne Networks. [online] TXOne Networks. Available at: https://www.txone.com/blog/communication-based-train-control-architecture-and-its-attack-aspects/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2023].
Mtr.com.hk. (2023). MTR > System Map. [online] Available at: https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/system_map.html [Accessed 11 Sep. 2023].
Wong, M. (2010). Overview of the MTR network - Checkerboard Hill. [online] Checkerboard Hill. Available at: https://www.checkerboardhill.com/2010/12/overview-of-the-mtr-network/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2023].
Wong, M. (2021). 1500 V DC railway electrification in Hong Kong - Checkerboard Hill. [online] Checkerboard Hill. Available at: https://www.checkerboardhill.com/2021/06/1500-v-dc-railway-electrification-hong-kong/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2023].
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). How Hong Kong Built the World’s Best Transit 🇭🇰. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELy9fOX8vtc&t=519s&ab_channel=PolyMatter [Accessed 11 Sep. 2023].
Zuegel, D. (2018). Strong Towns. [online] Strong Towns. Available at: https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2018/7/2/we-should-be-building-cities-for-people-not-cars [Accessed 12 Sep. 2023].
Commentaires