Tip for NBO congestion: Hong Kong’s escalators

in The Good Life Cafe on 143 Views
World's longest escalator system - Central to Mid-Level, Hong Kong (Susan Wong, 2012)

World's longest escalator system - Central to Mid-Level, Hong Kong (Susan Wong, 2012)

World’s longest covered outdoor escalator system

Twisting through narrow, hilly, winding and usually one-way streets; travelling through Hong Kong’s maze of roads and buildings into Central, the hub of the financial business district, would usually take many kilometres and a lot of headache.

Conceived to alleviate car traffic, the world’s longest escalator system – 20 flights of escalators, moving walkways and pedestrian bridges – connects some of Hong Kong’s most sought after premium real estate directly into the downtown financial district.  Perhaps built to solve traffic problems for the rich?

World's longest escalator system - Central to Mid-Level, Hong Kong (Susan Wong, 2012)The escalator system runs downhill between 6am and 10am, and uphill from 10:00am to midnight.  Covered from Nature’s elements, don’t worry about passing thunderstorms or even the intense heat, thanks to small fans that blow a cooling breeze onto sweaty commuters.  The escalator’s expansion to connect shopping malls, office buildings and even residential buildings, makes it possible for commuters to cover many kilometres without even setting foot on the main roads.

Carrying over 45,000 commuters every day, tourists also love to take a ride or two on the escalator system.  The escalator and pedestrian bridges pass through unique neighbourhoods and offer a unique cross-sectional view of Hong Kong, providing a glimpse of local life in the dynamic metropolis.  Spanning more than 800m and 2652 ft down a steep hillside, the complimentary ride only takes about 20 minutes and passes through thriving restaurant, pub, art, antique and boutique districts.

Not only fun but practical, a trip on Hong Kong’s Central to Mid-Levels escalator can also save you some money.  Make sure you look out for electronic stations where you can validate your public transportation and smart payment card, Octopus Card, to save a few Hong Kong dollars on your next trip around the city.

You can take a ride here:


Capital Lifestyle asks: Do you think a similar system would work in Nairobi? Would an extensive pedestrian walkway system help alleviate Nairobi CBD’s traffic jam woes?

 

                                                                

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