Light Rail (MTR)

{{Short description|Hong Kong New Territories rail service}}

{{Distinguish|Hong Kong Tramways|Light Rail Transit (Singapore)}}

{{Redirect-multi|1|North-West Railway|other uses|North–West line (disambiguation){{!}}North–West line}}

{{Use Hong Kong English|date=December 2022}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}

{{Infobox rail line

| name = Light Rail
{{lang|zh-hk|輕鐵}}

| other_name = Light Rail Transit (LRT), North-West Railway

| status = Operational

| mapcolor = {{rcb|MTR|Light Rail|box}} Goldenrod

| logo = MTRlightrail.svg

| logo_width = 100px

| image = LRT 505 Siu Lun.JPG

| image_width = 300px

| image_alt =

| caption = Two MTR Phase I LRVs at Siu Lun stop

| type = Light rail

| owner = KCR Corporation https://www.kcrc.com/en/about-kcrc/overview.html

| operator = MTR Corporation

| system = MTR

| locale = {{plainlist|

}}

| stations = 68

| depot = Tuen Mun

| character = Elevated
At-grade

| routes = see #Routes

| connectinglines = {{rcb|MTR|Tuen Ma|croute}}

| stock = 1 or 2-car high-floor light rail vehicles

| open = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1988|9|18}}

| close =

| linelength_km = 36.2

| gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}}

| electrification = {{750 V DC}} (Overhead line)

| map = {{Light Rail RDT}}

| map_state = Working

}}

{{Infobox Chinese

| t = 輕鐵

| s = 轻铁

| l = Light rail

| p = Qīngtiě

| y = Hīngtit

| ci = {{IPA|yue|héːŋ.tʰīːt̚|}}

| j = Hing1tit3

| poj = Kheng-thih

| h = Khiâng-thiet

| showflag = y

}}

File:MTR Light Rail network map en.svg

File:Hong Kong Light Rail Geographical Map.png

File:StrassenbahnGleisplanTuenMun1996.png

The Light Rail, also known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT), officially the North-West Railway,{{cite web|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap372E?_lang=en|title=Hong Kong e-Legislation Cap. 372E North-West Railway By-Laws|access-date=2022-08-01}} is a light rail system in Hong Kong, serving the northwestern New Territories, within Tuen Mun District and Yuen Long District. The system operates over {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}} track, using {{750 V DC}} overhead power supply. It was once one of four systems comprising the KCR network in Hong Kong, before the MTR–KCR merger in 2007. It has a daily ridership of about 483,000 people.{{cite web|title=Transport|url=http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/transport.pdf|website=Hong Kong: The Facts|publisher=Hong Kong Government|access-date=25 March 2015}} The network is coloured goldenrod on the MTR map.

History

= Planning and commencement =

When Tuen Mun was developed in the 1970s, the Hong Kong government set aside space for the laying of rail tracks. There was uncertainty however as to which company would be chosen to build the railway. In 1982, Hong Kong Tramways showed interest in building the system and running double-decker trams on it, before abandoning the project after negotiations over land premiums for related property development failed.{{cite news|last1=Jim|first1=Timothy|title=LRT operator must pay $280m premium|work=South China Morning Post|date=26 February 1983}} The government sought another builder. The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) was "heavily indebted" at the time, and so Secretary for Transport Alan Scott invited the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) to consider the project instead.{{cite news|last1=Jim|first1=Timothy|title=KCR offered LRT system|work=South China Morning Post|date=23 November 1983}}{{cite news|last1=Jim|first1=Timothy|title=KCR to study Light Rail to NT|work=South China Morning Post|date=20 December 1983}} The KCRC announced they would build the system in 1984 to a budget of $1.5 billion, after investigating ways to improve commercial viability.{{sfn|Yeung|2008|p=171}} After some research, construction commenced on 14 July 1985.

By that time, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) had developed its own network in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, and there were about 10 routes serving within the districts internally, most of them profitable. However, the government introduced the concept of the "Light Rail Service Area" in both districts, within which the LRT would monopolise all public transport services, forcing the KMB to withdraw all internal bus services in favour of the Light Rail. It also forced the KMB to impose boarding and alighting restrictions for external routes. It was decided that services between town centres and settlements would be provided solely by the Light Rail, while feeder buses operated by the KCRC would connect remote sites to the network, replacing KMB's equivalent services where applicable.

The system was completed and fully operational in September 1988. The first section was opened to the public on 14 September 1988, with free rides between Tuen Mun and Yuen Long; normal, all-day service began four days later, on 18 September.Runnacles, T.V. (January 1989). "Tramway Developments in Hong Kong / Part 6: The Tuen Mun—Yuen Long LRT system". Modern Tramway & Light Rail Transit, pp. 3–18. Ian Allan Publishing/Light Rail Transit Association.Hong Kong News Trolley Wire issue 235 November 1988 page 34 The system consisted of two large and three small loops serving most of the public housing estates in northern Tuen Mun. Three branches: one to On Ting Estate in the southeast, one to the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier in the southwest and another northern branch all the way into the town of Yuen Long along Castle Peak Road. It was then known as Light Rail Transit or LRT and is also called as the North-west Railway according to the Kowloon–Canton Railway Corporation Ordinance and Mass Transit Railway (North-west Railway) Bylaw.{{cite web|title=Cap 372 Kowloon–Canton Railway Corporation Ordinance|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap372|website=Hong Kong e-Legislation|publisher=Department of Justice|access-date=17 March 2017}}{{cite web|title=LCQ15: Mass Transit Railway By-laws and Mass Transit Railway (North-west Railway) Bylaw|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201505/13/P201505130392.htm|publisher=Legislative Council|date=13 May 2015}}

The transit system is the first and the only one in Hong Kong to adopt a zonal fare system. The feeder buses have fares independent of these zones, but provide discounts when passengers interchange between these buses and LRT. Seventy single-deck LRVs were manufactured in Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia by Comeng, to be shipped to Hong Kong for the seven LRT routes in the system.Dateline Hong Kong 8-8-88 Transit Australia January 1989 pages 3-10 Three of the routes were to Yuen Long and the others were confined to Tuen Mun.

=Extensions=

The system's first extension came for the southern and eastern parts of Tuen Mun. The eastern extension branches off the main line south of Siu Hong stop and crosses the river that runs through Tuen Mun immediately with a flyover. The line then runs along Castle Peak Road to a road north of the town centre, where it climbs to another flyover and rejoins the main route. The northern end of this extension is still the only non-triangular junction in the entire system.

The southern extension mainly consists of a route linking On Ting and Ferry Pier, on the newly reclaimed land near the river mouth of Tuen Mun River, known as "Mouse Island" by locals. A short spur was also built from the extension to another terminus at Sam Shing Estate, located near Castle Peak Bay. Three LRT routes were diverted (route 505 was extended to Sam Shing) and one feeder bus route (route 559) discontinued as a result of these changes.

Tin Shui Wai was originally an area with numerous fish ponds, but was developed as a residential new town in the early 1990s. With the increase of internal commuter traffic demand, an LRT spur was built north of Hung Shui Kiu stop that opened in 1993, with four stops serving the initial housing areas of the town. The area was further developed in the next few years and the line was extended by two stops: Chestwood and Tin Wing stop in 1995 (Tin Shui Wai Terminus was renamed Tin Wing after the opening of West Rail line). Two LRT routes were established, route 720 (now 751) to Yau Oi and route 721 Before Changed to (761) Then changed to (761P) to Yuen Long.

=West Rail=

The system remained essentially unchanged until the completion of the West Rail (now Tuen Ma line) in December 2003. Many changes were made, mainly around the new railway stations. The KCRC designed most railway stations in the LRT area to interchange with the new West Rail line. The idea was to encourage passengers to use the West Rail line instead of the Light Rail for longer journeys, thereby freeing up LRT vehicles for passengers making shorter journeys. For this purpose, an interchange discount system was launched with the introduction of the West Rail line system, meaning that passengers would pay no more (and in some cases less) to travel on West Rail line instead of the LRT for the main part of their journey. Although this most recent extension is the largest ever, no new vehicles were purchased. And although rearrangements were made, some infrequent and unreliable services resulted, causing passengers to blame the lack of vehicles and poor arrangement of new services.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PzMUSVcZ1M (8 December 2003)亞洲電視-輕鐵新支線第一個工作天], YouTube The KCRC has since modified the inside of some vehicles to allow more standing room for passengers during peak hours. They also made several route alterations to arrange them better.

In addition to the reconfiguration of light rail tracks around the new West Rail stations, the system was extended to reach northern Tin Shui Wai to serve ongoing development there.{{cite web |title=KCRC Light Rail Tin Shui Wai extensions to open on 7 December |url=http://www.kcrc.com/en/announcements/2003/031128b.html |publisher=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |date=28 November 2003}}

Rolling stock

File:KCR Light Rail Route 751.jpg

The system's vehicles consist of five different types of LRVs. All LRVs are uni-directional with driving cab on one side only, {{Convert|20.2|m|ftin}} long, and have 3 sliding doors fitted on the left side (when facing the running direction from inside). This means that island platforms (except the triangular platform at Siu Hong stop) cannot be used at all in the LRT system and the termini have to feature loops for LRVs to reverse in direction. Hong Kong and Kolkata are the only cities with unidirectional left-handed trams.

Phase I LRVs were built by Comeng and put in service in 1988. They are numbered 1001–1070 and accommodate 43 seated passengers and 161 standees. The driver's cab interior and exterior design was conceived for KCRC by Design Triangle in 1986. Phase II LRVs were built by Kawasaki and entered service in 1992. They are numbered 1071-1090/1201-1210 and accommodate 26 seated and 185 standees. Cars 1071–1090 are cab cars while 1201–1210 are cabless trailers. Phase III LRVs were built by A Goninan and entered service in 1997. They are numbered 1091–1110 and accommodate 26 seated and 212 standees. Phase IV LRVs were manufactured by United Group{{Cite web |title=Light Rail Vehicle |url=http://cdn.ugllimited.com/Asset/cms/Passengerr_Product_Brochures/084_LRV_ProductSheet_V5_WEB.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713050142/http://cdn.ugllimited.com/Asset/cms/Passengerr_Product_Brochures/084_LRV_ProductSheet_V5_WEB.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2017 |website=UGL Limited}} and CSR and entered service in December 2009. They are numbered 1111–1132 accommodate 37 seated and 248 standees. Phase I LRVs have two wheelchair positions while Phase II, III, IV and V LRVs have three positions. The newest Phase V LRVs were manufactured by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen and entered service on 17 November 2020.{{Cite web |date=29 July 2016 |title=MTR Places Order for 40 New Light Rail Vehicles to Enhance Passenger Service in the Northwest New Territories |url=https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/corporate/en/press_release/PR-16-067-E.pdf |access-date=20 June 2025 |website=www.mtr.com.hk}} They are numbered 1133-1162/1211-1220; 1133-1162 are cab cars while 1211-1220 are cabless trailer. 30 of these are set to replace existing Phase II LRVs, while the other 10 are for expansion.

Traction systems for Phase I and II LRVs consist of GTO thyristor choppers and DC traction motors provided by AEG, while those for the Phase III, IV and V LRVs consist of 2-level IGBTVVVF inverters and asynchronous 3-phase AC traction motors provided by Mitsubishi Electric. The maximum speed for all LRVs is {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}}, although they rarely reach that speed because of the many grade crossings between stops and the close proximity between stops in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai.

From the exterior it is difficult to differentiate between the first three types of LRVs. There are, however, distinct features that one can use to tell them apart; Phase III LRVs still retain their original green electronic displays while all other LRVs have new orange electronic displays. Phase I cars also have a wide window at the rear that can be opened in case of an emergency, while Phase II cars have a door at the back. The interior of the Phase III cars has a greenish look and the doors are also green. The Phase IV LRVs have a completely different appearance in contrast to the older phase. It has a white exterior livery with olive green and purple line on the side. The shape of the front of the LRV is more streamlined than the older phases. The door opening and closing mechanism was similar to the ones from the K-class cars used in the Tseung Kwan O line and Tung Chung line. The Phase IV has 3 surveillance cameras in each vehicle. Seat belts and wheelchair positions were also available in the Phase IV. On older-generation LRVs there is a perch seat but the Phase IVs do not maintain this feature. The refurbished Phase I LRVs have rounded rectangular windows while Phase IV LRVs have square ones.

The Phase II LRVs were not refurbished; upon the commissioning of 30 Phase V LRVs, this will see the Phase II LRVs phased out. Withdrawals began on 28 August 2022, with the first two Phase II LRVs (1079 and 1204) removed from Tuen Mun Depot and sent to the scrapyard.{{Citation |title=【年代更替】第二期輕鐵列車退役運送準備|輕鐵|輕鐵車廠 | date=29 August 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAGMJ78YgCY |language=en |access-date=2022-08-29}} On 26 February 2023, the last of the Phase II LRVs were officially withdrawn from service following a retirement ceremony.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=MTR to retire 30-year-old light rail trains |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/200525/MTR-to-retire-30-year-old-light-rail-trains |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=26 February 2023 |title=Passengers Express Gratitude to Phase 2 Light Rail Vehicles Completing their 30-year Journey in Northwestern New Territories |url=https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/corporate/en/press_release/PR-23-013-E.pdf |access-date=20 June 2025 |website=www.mtr.com.hk}} One of the retired cars now survives at the Ying Wa College and Primary School, transformed into a classroom.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-26 |title=Trains of thought: Hong Kong mass transit rail carriages become seats of learning |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/environment/article/3211216/trains-thought-end-line-hong-kong-mass-transit-rolling-stock-gets-new-lease-life-stationary |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Meanwhile, the Phase III LRVs are expected to be rebuilt and repainted with a scheme similar to the Phase IV LRVs. {{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

In June 2024, the MTR received its first hydrogen-powered light rail.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=Hong Kong receives first hydrogen-powered light rail train in green energy push |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268414/hong-kong-receives-first-hydrogen-powered-light-rail-train-green-energy-push |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

File:LRT 761P Ping Shan.jpg|Comeng Phase I LRV car 1042

File:LRT1016 615P.JPG|Comeng Phase I LRV refurbished car 1016

File:Kcr lrt 1090+1205.jpg|Kawasaki Phase II LRV cab car 1090 and trailer 1205

File:LRT 615 Hung Shui Kiu.jpg|A. Goninan Phase III LRV car 1102

File:Lrt p41111.jpg|A. Goninan (UGL)/CSR Phase IV Light Rail vehicle 1111

File:20201125 LRT1133 at Tai Hing North.jpg|CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Phase V LRV cab car 1133 and trailer 1211

File:Interior_mtr_lightrail1.jpg|Interior of an unrefurbished MTR Light Rail vehicle (presumably a Phase II)

File:LRT Vehicle Phase 1 Interior (After renew).jpg|Interior of a refurbished MTR Light Rail vehicle

Stops and routes

=Stops=

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
data-sort-type="text" | Fare zone

! Name

! Routes

! District

! Connections

! data-sort-type="date" | Opened

! Code

rowspan=10 style="background:#F3CED4;color:#ED316A;" | 1

| Lung Mun{{efn|Formerly Hung Lau,San Shek Wan Stop}}

| rowspan="4" | 610, 615, 615P

| rowspan="10" | Tuen Mun

| rowspan=2 | MTR Bus Route 506, K52A, K52S

| rowspan=5 | 18 September 1988

| 030

Light Rail Depot{{efn|Formerly Pak Kok,LRT Depot Stop}}

| 020

Butterfly

| rowspan=2 | MTR Bus Route 506, K52, K52A, K52S

| 015

Melody Garden

| 010

Tuen Mun Ferry Pier

| 507, 610, 614, 614P, 615, 615P

| MTR Bus Route 506, K52

| 001

Siu Hei

| rowspan="3" | 507, 614, 614P

| rowspan=3 |

| rowspan=4 | 17 November 1991

| 240

Tuen Mun Swimming Pool

| 250

Goodview Garden

| 260

Siu Lun

| 505, 507, 614, 614P

| MTR Bus Route 506

| 265

Sam Shing

| 505

| MTR Bus Route 506, K51, K51A, K52, K53, K58

| 2 February 1992

| 920

rowspan=21 style="background:#F0F3B1;color:#FBD014;" | 2

| Tsing Shan Tsuen

| rowspan="2" | 610, 615, 615P

| rowspan="21" | Tuen Mun

| rowspan=2 | MTR Bus Route 506, K52A, K52S

| rowspan=10 | 18 September 1988

| 040

Tsing Wun{{efn|Formerly Lung Mun,Technical Institute Stop}}

| 050

Ming Kum

| 505 (to Sam Shing), 610, 615, 615P

| rowspan=2 | MTR Bus Route K58

| 200

Shek Pai

| 505, 610, 615, 615P

| 170

Ngan Wai

| rowspan="3" | 507, 610

| rowspan=2 |

| 230

Tai Hing (South)

| 220

Tai Hing (North)

| MTR Bus Route K58

| 212

Affluence{{efn|Formerly Ho King Stop}}

| 610, 751

| rowspan=2 |

| 080

Choy Yee Bridge

| rowspan="2" | 507, 751

| 075

Ho Tin

| Tuen Ma line Tuen Mun station

| 070

Tuen Mun{{ref label|1|295|295}}

| 505, 507, 751

| Tuen Ma line Tuen Mun station,
MTR Bus Route 506, K51, K51A, K52, 52A, K52S, K53, K58

| 23 September 1988

| 295

Yau Oi

| 751

|

| rowspan=4 | 18 September 1988

| 275

On Ting

| 505, 507, 614, 614P, 751 (to Tin Yat)

| MTR Bus Route 506

| 270

Town Centre

| 505, 507, 614, 614P, 751

| MTR Bus Route 506, K51, K51A, K52, K53, K54, K58

| 280

Kin On

| 505

| MTR Bus Route 506, K52A, K52S, K58

| 060

Shan King (South)

| rowspan="2" | 505 (to Siu Hong)

| rowspan=5 |

| rowspan=2 | 24 September 1988

| 190

Shan King (North)

| 180

Pui To

| rowspan="4" | 614, 614P

| rowspan=4 | 2 February 1992

| 300

Hoh Fuk Tong

| 310

San Hui

| 320

Prime View

| MTR Bus Route K51, K51A

| 330

rowspan=12 style="background:#BFDDDD;color:#2AA4BD;" | 3

| Kei Lun

| 505 (to Siu Hong), 615P

| rowspan="12" | Tuen Mun

| rowspan=6 | MTR Bus Route K58

| 18 September 1988

| 110

Ching Chung

| rowspan="2" | 505, 615, 615P

| rowspan=5 | 24 September 1988

| 120

Kin Sang

| 130

Tin King

| rowspan="3" | 505, 507, 615, 615P

| 140

Leung King

| 150

San Wai

| 160

Tuen Mun Hospital

| 610, 751

|

| 18 September 1988

| 090

Fung Tei

| 614, 614P

| MTR Bus Route K51, K51A

| 2 February 1992

| 340

Siu Hong

| 505, 610, 614, 614P, 615, 615P, 751

| Tuen Ma line Siu Hong station,
MTR Bus Route K51, K51A, K54, K58

| rowspan=4 | 18 September 1988

| 100

Lam Tei

| rowspan="4" | 610, 614, 615, 751

| rowspan=3 |

| 350

Nai Wai

| 360

Chung Uk Tsuen

| 370

rowspan=13 style="background:#D9E9B8;color:#8CC12B;" | 4

| Hung Shui Kiu

| rowspan="13" | Yuen Long

| MTR Bus Route K75A, K75P

| rowspan=3 | 18 September 1988

| 380

Ping Shan

| rowspan="2" | 610, 614, 615, 761P

| MTR Bus Route K65

| 400

Tong Fong Tsuen

|

| 390

Hang Mei Tsuen

| 751, 761P

| MTR Bus Route K65, K65A

| rowspan=4 | 10 January 1993

| 425

Tin Yiu

| rowspan="3" | 705, 706, 761P

| Tuen Ma line Tin Shui Wai station,
MTR Bus Route K75A, K75P, K75S

| 445

Locwood

| MTR Bus Route K75P

| 448

Tin Shui

| MTR Bus Route K74, K75P

| 460

Tin Shui Wai

| rowspan="5" | 705, 706, 751, 751P

| Tuen Ma line Tin Shui Wai station,
MTR Bus Route K65, K65A, K75A, K75S, K76, K76S

| rowspan=4 | 7 December 2003

| 430

Tin Wu

|

| 450

Tin Tsz

| MTR Bus Route K73, K74

| 435

Ginza

| MTR Bus Route K73

| 455

Tin Wing{{efn|Formerly Tin Shui Wai Terminus}}

| MTR Bus Route K74

| rowspan=2 | 26 March 1995

| 500

Chestwood

| 751, 751P

|

| 490

rowspan=7 style="background:#F1D9A7;color:#F37E16;" | 5A

| Chung Fu

| rowspan="3" | 705, 706, 751, 751P, 761P

| rowspan="7" | Yuen Long

| MTR Bus Route K74, K76, K76S

| rowspan=7 | 7 December 2003

| 468

Tin Fu

| MTR Bus Route K76, K76S

| 480

Tin Yat

| rowspan=2 | MTR Bus Route K73, K76, K76S

| 550

Tin Heng

| rowspan="4" | 705, 706

| 540

Wetland Park

| MTR Bus Route K76S

| 530

Tin Sau

| MTR Bus Route K73

| 520

Tin Yuet

| MTR Bus Route K74

| 510

rowspan=5 style="background:#CABDCF;color:#6F57A1;" | 5

| Shui Pin Wai

| rowspan="5" | 610, 614, 615, 761P

| rowspan="5" | Yuen Long

| MTR Bus Route K65

| rowspan=5 | 18 September 1988

| 560

Fung Nin Road{{efn|Formerly Town Hall Stop}}

| MTR Bus Route K65, K66, K66A, K68, K73, K74

| 570

Hong Lok Road

| MTR Bus Route K65, K74

| 580

Tai Tong Road

| MTR Bus Route K65, K66, K74

| 590

Yuen Long

| Tuen Ma line Yuen Long station,
MTR Bus Route K65, K74

| 600

|Hung Tin Road Emergency Platform

|when service fails, a temporary terminal stop for

610, 614, 615, 751, 761P

|Yuen Long

|

|18 September 1988

|385

=Notes=

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

=Routes=

There are currently 12 routes in the Light Rail system.

  • Route 505 runs between Siu Hong and Sam Shing via Kin On. The route was created in 1988 and extended from On Ting to Sam Shing in 1992.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} On 14 July 2002, due to the Light Rail grade separation works on Pui To Road being done as part of the Light Rail's integration with the then-under construction West Rail, route 505 was diverted to operate via Ngan Wai,{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=Light Rail Route Map |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/eng/services/services/images/lr_route.gif |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030426005506/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/eng/services/services/images/lr_route.gif |archive-date=26 April 2003 |url-status=dead |date=26 August 2002}} and service to Shan King (North), Shan King (South) and Kin On was replaced by a temporary bus also numbered 505.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=Light Rail introduces two temporary bus routes during works |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2002/020705.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213144218/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2002/020705.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=5 July 2002}} The prior service was restored on 30 August 2003, following the completion of the grade separation works.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=New elevated Light Rail section brought into service |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/030830.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213140018/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/030830.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=30 August 2003}}
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 507|lt=Route 507|zh|香港輕鐵507、507P綫}} runs between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Tin King via Ngan Wai. It was created in 1989 and was extended from On Ting to Tuen Mun Ferry Pier in 1991.
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 610|lt=Route 610|zh|香港輕鐵610綫}} runs between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Yuen Long via Ngan Wai and Ming Kum. It was created in 1988.
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 614|lt=Route 614|zh|香港輕鐵614綫}} runs between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Yuen Long via San Hui. It was created in 1992 and replaced route 611, which ran between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Yuen Long via Ho Tin and Kin On from 1988 to 1992.
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 615|lt=Route 615|zh|香港輕鐵615綫}} runs between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Yuen Long via Tin King. It was created in 1993.It was the longest route in MTR Light Rail.
  • Routes {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 614P|lt=614P|zh|香港輕鐵614P綫}} and {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 615P|lt=615P|zh|香港輕鐵615P綫}} were created on 4 April 2004, and operate a circular service between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Siu Hong.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=輕鐵路線圖 |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/chi/services/services/images/lr_route_big.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040406022925/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/chi/services/services/images/lr_route_big.jpg |archive-date=6 April 2004 |url-status=dead |language=zh-Hant |date=31 March 2004}}{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=KCRC strengthens Light Rail feeder service |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040401.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213140018/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040401.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=1 April 2004}} The routes were created as a result of the Light Rail's transition into becoming a short-distance feeder service for West Rail, and upon their creation the service frequencies of routes 614 and 615 were accordingly halved, such that the overall service levels at stops between Siu Hong and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier remained the same.
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 705|lt=Route 705|zh|香港輕鐵705綫}} runs an anticlockwise service around the Tin Shui Wai area via Tin Yat. The route was created on 22 August 2004 and replaced route 701,{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=KCRC augments Light Rail service for back-to-school period |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040816.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213132502/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040816.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=4 August 2004}} which ran a shorter anticlockwise service via Chestwood between 16 December 2003 and 21 August 2004.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=輕鐵路線圖 |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/chi/services/services/images/lr_route_big.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051018173453/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/chi/services/services/images/lr_route_big.jpg |archive-date=18 October 2005 |url-status=dead |language=zh-Hant |date=13 August 2004}}{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=New Light Rail route 701 to commence service tomorrow |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/031215.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213134709/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/031215.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=15 December 2003}}
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 706|lt=Route 706|zh|香港輕鐵706綫}} runs a clockwise service around the Tin Shui Wai area and serves the same stops as route 705. The route was created on 9 April 2004 to enhance short-distance feeder service in Tin Shui Wai.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=KCRC introduces Light Rail route 706 for Tin Shui Wai |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040407.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213133642/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2004/040407.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=7 April 2004}}
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 751|lt=Route 751|zh|香港輕鐵751綫}} runs between Tin Yat and Yau Oi. It was created on 7 December 2003{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=KCRC Light Rail Tin Shui Wai extensions to open on 7 December |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/031128b.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213135147/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2003/031128b.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=28 November 2003}} and replaced route 720, which ran between Tin Wing and Yau Oi from 1994 to 2003. (Route 720 was created in 1994 and replaced route 722, which ran between Tin Wing and Siu Hong from 1993 to 1994, as well as route 612, which ran between Yuen Long and Yau Oi from 1988 to 1994.)
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 751P|lt=Route 751P|zh|香港輕鐵751P綫}} operates as a short-distance variant of route 751 between Tin Yat and Tin Shui Wai, and runs only during peak hours on school days. It was created in August 2004.
  • {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 761P|lt=Route 761P|zh|香港輕鐵761P綫}} runs between Tin Yat and Yuen Long via Locwood. It was originally a short-distance variant of {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 761|lt=route 761|zh|香港輕鐵761綫}}, but then replaced route 761 when it was permanently discontinued on 8 October 2006.{{cite web |author1=Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation |title=Light Rail service improvement |url=http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2006/060927.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213121051/http://www.kcrc.com.hk/en/announcements/2006/060927.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=dead |date=27 September 2006}} Route 761 ran between Tin Wing and Yuen Long via Wetland Park from 7 December 2003 to 7 October 2006, and was a replacement of {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 721|lt=route 721|zh|香港輕鐵721綫}}, which ran between Tin Wing and Yuen Long via Chestwood from 1993 to 2003. After the discontinuation of route 761, special services of route 761P to Tin Wing continued to operate at 30-minute intervals from 10:00 to 15:00 daily until 23 August 2010.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}

The present MTR Bus route 506 retains the number of the Light Rail route that it replaced. Light Rail {{ill|MTR Light Rail Route 506|lt=route 506|zh|香港輕鐵506綫}} ran between Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Yau Oi via Kin On; it was created in 1988 and was extended from On Ting to Yau Oi in 1992. On 14 July 2002, due to the Light Rail grade separation works on Pui To Road, the route was suspended in its entirety and replaced by bus route 506. The suspension was originally intended to be temporary, but the Light Rail route was never resumed.

{{MTR Light Rail routes|505|507|610|614|614P|615|615P|705|706|751|751P|761P}}

Fares

The Light Rail is the only public transport system in Hong Kong to have fare zones and the only one with an honour system, in which there are no ticket gates. These fare zones apply only to passengers purchasing single-ride tickets from ticketing machines at LRT stops. Since the introduction of Octopus cards, however, passengers have a choice of ticketing options. All fares indicated below are for adults, while children and the elderly usually pay the concessionary fare, which is about half the adult fare.

= Single-ride tickets =

There are six fare zones – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 5A – for passengers purchasing single-ride tickets in Light Rail stops. Zone 5A was introduced solely for the latest extension in Tin Shui Wai, and both zones 5 and 5A are only connected to Zone 4. Therefore, travelling between zones 5 and 5A is considered as travelling through three zones.

= Octopus cards =

Octopus card fares are calculated based on the minimum number of stops travelled (from origin to destination stops), rather than the number of fare zones travelled through. All stops have Octopus entry and exit processors at the entrances to and exits from platforms. Passengers may enter the system after scanning their Octopus card at an orange 'Entry Processor' reader. At this point, the maximum fare is deducted from the card. On completion of a journey, the card previously read by an 'Entry Processor' must be scanned at a dark-green 'Exit Processor', where the maximum fare less the fare incurred is refunded. Failure to do so within the time limit would cause the fare difference to be forfeited. If a person exits the same platform with the same card within 5 minutes, the fare deducted will be fully refunded.

Light-blue 'Enquiry Processors' can also be found on most platforms. Like enquiry processors found in other places, passengers can check the balance on their card, along with the 10 most recent Octopus transactions. If a Personalised Octopus card is used, the number of Light Rail credits accumulated is also shown.

Passengers using Personalised Octopus cards are able to participate in the Light Rail Bonus Scheme. A card on which fares totalling HK$30 (adults) or HK$15 (children/seniors) or more are paid over six consecutive days gets an automatic credit of HK$3 (adults) or HK$1.5 (children/seniors).

Passengers using Octopus cards that are registered with the MTR Club are automatically enrolled into the MTR Club Bonus Scheme. Members can earn Bonus Points by riding on the MTR, Airport Express, Light Rail and MTR Bus with their registered Octopus card during the promotion period. Members can then redeem these points for exclusive rewards. Passengers can visit the MTR website for the information of the gift during that particular promotion period.

{{cite web|url=https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/club/bonus_point_scheme.html|title=MTR > MTR Club Bonus Points Scheme|website=www.mtr.com.hk|access-date=8 April 2018}}

Incidents

  • In July 1994, a light rail vehicle (Phase l car 1013) and a lorry collided, killing the LRV captain.{{sfn|Yeung|2008|p=225}}The involved car, 1013, was scrapped after the accident, making it the first light rail vehicle to be retired due to a crash.
  • On 11 September 1994, a coach carrying factory workers ran a red light and was crushed between two light rail trains at a junction near Fu Tei. The coach driver and a coach passenger were killed.{{cite news|last1=Ball|first1=Steve|title=Secret report on LRT crash calls for safety moves|work=South China Morning Post|date=27 September 1994}} The two LRV captains were cleared of wrongdoing. The railway inspectorate also said the design of the junction was not to blame. The government said it would implement video recording at LRT junctions, improve road signage between Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, and better educate drivers.{{cite news|title=LRT boosts safety after crash deaths|work=South China Morning Post|date=2 October 1994|page=2}}
  • On 13 January 1995, a light rail train derailed as a result of intentional vandalism to the points at Tin King and Ming Kum roads. The KCRC had not received any threats or warning beforehand.{{cite news|last1=Szeto|first1=Wanda|title=LRT train derailed by vandals|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/103101/lrt-train-derailed-vandals|access-date=11 July 2014|work=South China Morning Post|date=13 January 1995}}
  • On 9 February 2010, a construction crane fell on an LRT train (Phase IV car 1118) as it approached Leung King stop while operating on route 505 for Siu Hong. 18 were injured.{{cite news|last1=Lo|first1=Clifford|last2=Wan|first2=Adrian|last3=Wong|first3=Martin|title=Building crane topples onto LRT train|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/724363/building-crane-topples-lrt-train|work=South China Morning Post|date=10 September 2010}} The involved car, 1118, was scrapped in 2012 and a replacement car with the same number was bought by MTR in 2015.
  • On 17 May 2013, a CSR Phase IV light rail train, cars 1112 and 1117 on route 761P, derailed and crashed while navigating a tight curve at 40.9 km/h, in excess of the posted speed limit of 15 km/h. The train was turning from Kiu Hung Road to Castle Peak Road south of Tin Shui Wai. At least 77 people were injured in the crash.{{cite news|title=Baby among 77 injured after train derails in Tin Shui Wai|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1239851/tin-shi-wai-train-derails-injuring-20|work=South China Morning Post|date=18 May 2013}} The LRV captain was convicted of negligence under the Mass Transit Railway Ordinance.{{cite web|title=Record of train service disruptions of 31 Minutes or above caused by equipment failure or human factor from 2011 to October 2015|url=http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201512/09/P201512090545_0545_156402.pdf|publisher=Legislative Council|date=9 December 2015}} The front car, 1112, was scrapped after the accident and a replacement car with the same number was bought by MTR shortly after.
  • On 19 August 2013, a 63-year-old man was killed at Locwood stop while crossing the tracks at a crossing point; the train did not stop in time.{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1297772/man-dies-after-being-hit-light-rail-train-tin-shui-wai|title=Man killed by light rail train in Tin Shui Wai|date=19 August 2013|access-date=6 September 2013|work=South China Morning Post|author=Lai Ying-kit}}
  • On 21 November 2014, LRV 1093 on route 507 collided with an MTR double decker bus near Tuen Mun Ferry Terminus. The bus crashed because it ran a red light. The train derailed and 20 were injured.{{cite news|title=Twenty hurt in Light Rail-Bus crash |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=54941&icid=3&d_str= |access-date=21 November 2014 |work=The Standard |date=21 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401113435/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=54941&icid=3&d_str= |archive-date= 1 April 2015 }}
  • On 23 July 2023, a train on route 614P departing platform 5 of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier stop collided with a train on route 507 departing platform 6. There were no injuries. The rail operator is investigating the incident, which it believes was caused by human error. The driver of the route 614P train has been temporarily suspended from driving duties to assist with the investigation.{{Cite web |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20230723/bkn-20230723014414638-0723_00822_001.html |title=屯門碼頭站兩輕鐵碰撞涉人為因素 涉事車長暫調離駕駛職務 |date=23 July 2023 |website=Oriental Daily News |access-date=27 May 2025 |language=zh}}
  • On 4 October 2023, two trains departing Yuen Long stop, a train on route 761P from platform 5 and an empty train from platform 1, collided at an intersection. 3 of the 120 passengers on board the route 761P train suffered minor injuries. According to preliminary findings by the rail operator, it was suspected that human error had caused the derailment.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Human error may have caused Hong Kong light rail train collision: MTR Corp |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3236707/2-injured-hong-kong-light-rail-train-collision-yuen-long-station-mtr-corp-diverts-routes |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}
  • On 18 May 2024, the rear bogie of LRV 1016 derailed near Chung Uk Tsuen stop while the two-car train was heading back to Tuen Mun Depot. The derailment was caused by a wooden board at the spot where the train derailed, which fell off from a truck travelling along Castle Peak Road. The 49-year-old driver was arrested following a police report by the rail operator.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-18 |title=Hong Kong police arrest truck driver in connection with train derailment |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3263174/derailed-train-forces-hong-kongs-mtr-corp-pause-light-rail-travel-western-new-territories |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

Gallery

{{Gallery|width=220|height=165|align=center

|File:Mtr lightrail single ticket machine.jpg|Old Single-ride ticket machine (retired in 2008)|File:Mtr lightrail octopus card validators.jpg|Octopus card processors (used from 2007 until 2019)

|File:Transport_HK_LR_MingKam.jpg|Ming Kum stop

|File:Transport_HK_LR_Kin_On.jpg|Kin On stop

|File:Mtr lightrail crossing nai wai.jpg|Light rail stop platform crossing

|File:MTR_lightrail_luggage_limit_gauge.jpg|Luggage size gauge

|File:Transport_HK_LR_ONT.jpg|On Ting stop (2006)|File:LRT Town Centre Stop.JPG|Town Centre stop (platforms shown on the image is recently disused)|File:Transport_HK_LR_ChungFu.jpg|Chung Fu stop (on viaduct)

|File:Transport_HK_LR_TinYuet.jpg|Tin Yuet stop, Tin Yuet Estate is to the left

|File:HK_Transport_LR_Tin_Sau.jpg|Tin Sau stop, Vianni Cove estate is in the background right

|File:Wetland_park_LR.JPG|Wetland Park stop|title=}}

References

Notes

{{Reflist|30em}}

Bibliography

  • {{cite book|last=Yeung|first=Rikkie|title=Moving Millions: The Commercial Success and Political Controversies of Hong Kong's Railways|year=2008|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|location=Hong Kong}}