Bus

The photo shows the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Bus Terminus in the background of the central business district in Hong Kong.  The bus service plays a vital role in supporting Hong Kong’s economy by providing affordable transportation, which is one of the essential components of the city’s economic development and increases productivity and efficiency.

When the British crown colony of Hong Kong began on Hong Kong Island in 1842, there was no public transport. People moved around on foot, and the wealthy class would use the sedan chair for transportation.  

Hong Kong’s population expanded quickly after World War II when millions of refugees fleeing the Chinese Civil War and settled in Hong Kong.  With a rapidly increasing population, the colonial government attempted reforms to improve infrastructure and public services, including the transportation network.

Public Bus service was first introduced to Hong Kong in the 1920s. Several operators managed a number of bus routes on both sides of the Victoria Harbour by the end of the 1920s.  The transportation network covered both Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.

When the British returned to Hong Kong after World War II, they put the restoration of public transport at highest priority. Before new buses were shipped to Hong Kong, the bus companies used modified trucks to transport passengers. These trucks were phased out by the end of the 1950s. 

Under the pressure of the rapid growth of population, the demand for public transport skyrocketed, and larger buses became necessary.  

Most buses at that time were imported from England and manufactured by British brands such as Leyland, Thornycroft, and Daimler.