The Kowloon-Canton Railway has announced that effective immediately, the automatic braking system on its trains will be suspended until further notice.  Train conductors will manually slow down and invoke the brakes, due to (until now) unforseen stresses on the undercarriage system.What this means for users of the KCR is:1. The average travelling time from Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu will increase from 41 to 42.5 minutes. 2. During morning rush hours, frequency of trains will decrease from … [Read more...]

The WTO meetings in Hong Kong officially kick off today at 3pm. This is definitely the biggest event to hit Hong Kong in my lifetime. Save for the Japanese invasion of 1941, I can't think of a more significant event to have hit our fragrant harbor waters.Good luck to all those working in Wan Chai. (note: I am not implying that I lived through the invasion of 1941)  … [Read more...]

A contigent of Canadian World War II veterans are currently in Hong Kong to honor their fallen comrades, who died defending Hong Kong from the invading Japanese army in 1941. The official Government of Canada delegation visiting Hong Kong includes six veterans. On Sunday, the delegation held a remembrance ceremony at Sai Wan War Cemetery, where 511 Canadians are buried. More than 200 Canadian students, teachers and parents from the Durham Remembers Group in Ontario are also in Hong Kong. They … [Read more...]

It's estimated that out of Hong Kong's 4 million daily bus passengers, only about 900,000 will truly benefit under this scheme.  Based on a monthly schedule 25 bus trips, here are some sample savings under the new system.  Remember, the return trip must be made on the same bus route:Bus Route Citibus 969Tin Shui Wai to Causeway Bay KMB 307Tai Po to Central KMB 621Kwun Tong to Central Current ticket price (one way) $20.70 $20.30 $10.10Savings per trip, … [Read more...]

The following suggestions have been put forth to further improve minibus safety:Transport DepartmentPolice will increase frequency of surprise inspections on minibuses and will not hesitate to hand out fines, in order to increase public awareness of the problem.Increase the rate of outfitting old buses with seatbelts. (over 70% of minibuses today still do not have seatbelts)Minibus CompaniesDrivers found guilty of speeding or reckless driving can be dismissed after only one offence.Drivers must … [Read more...]

MTR executives are confident that they can avoid the (lack-of) passenger problems that have plagued the KCR West Rail, as the routing includes densely populated residential areas such as Wong Chuk Hang and South Horizons. The major tourist attraction, Ocean Park, will also bring high passenger traffic. The recent announcement of Ocean Park's own expansion plans has certainly put pressure on the finalization of the South Island line proposal.  In addition, due to public demand from the … [Read more...]

Apparently, everyone was in a hurry to get home (or to their next destination) and there were not enough taxi's around.  Punches and more than a few words were exchanged and the situation was getting out of control when finally, the cops showed up and restored order.Final tally: 4 Danes from group A; 2 men and 2 women from group B were detained and taken into police custody for questioning.3 suffered minor injuries and had to be transported to hospitals for further observation.  … [Read more...]

This offer is a way for Disney to show their appreciation and say "thanks" to Hong Kongers.  The discount was planned well ahead and is part of the "opening" strategy, according to officials, and has nothing to do with current attendance records. (which Disney has so far not made public)The details of the offer are as follows:Valid from November 8, 2005 to December 8, 2005Each visitor must present a valid Hong Kong ID cardChildren 11-years-old and under only need to be … [Read more...]