Editing Hong Kong (section)

== Infrastructure ==
=== Transport ===
{{Main|Transport in Hong Kong}}
[[File:Cross Harbour Tunnel (1).JPG|thumb|alt=Tunnel entrance at night, with heavy traffic|Entrance to the [[Cross-Harbour Tunnel]] in [[Hung Hom]], [[Kowloon]]]]

Hong Kong has a highly developed, sophisticated transport network. Over 90% of the daily trips made by its residents are made with public transport, the highest percentage in the world.<ref name="pubtransport">{{harvnb|Public Transport Strategy Study|2017|p=1}}</ref> The [[Octopus card]], a [[Contactless payment|contactless]] [[Smart card|smart]] [[Digital currency|payment]] card made for Hong Kong, is widely accepted on railways, trams, buses and ferries, and can be used for payment in most retail stores.<ref>{{harvnb|Poon|Chau|2001|p=102}}.</ref> Alternative payments such as [[Apple Pay]], [[Alipay|AliPay]], [[Mastercard]] and [[Visa Inc.|Visa]] have also been gradually introduced to public transports.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MTR > Ticket Purchase and Usage |url=https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/buy_tickets/payment_method.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716005653/https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/buy_tickets/payment_method.html |archive-date=2024-07-16 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.mtr.com.hk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong Tramways – Schedules and Fares |url=https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616021916/https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares |archive-date=16 June 2024 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.hktramways.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Schedule & Fares {{!}} StarFerry |url=https://www.starferry.com.hk/en/Fares |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203123111/https://www.starferry.com.hk/en/Fares |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.starferry.com.hk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=E-payment System |url=https://www.citybus.com.hk/en/uploadedFiles/app_promote/eps/EPS-ENG-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007133906/https://www.citybus.com.hk/en/uploadedFiles/app_promote/eps/EPS-ENG-1.html |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.citybus.com.hk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd 九龍巴士(一九三三) |url=https://www.kmb.hk/payment.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501021600/https://kmb.hk/payment.html |archive-date=1 May 2024 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.kmb.hk}}</ref>

The [[Peak Tram]], Hong Kong's first public transport system, has provided [[funicular]] rail transport between [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]] and [[Victoria Peak]] since 1888.<ref>{{harvnb|Mok|2018}}.</ref>

The [[Central and Western District]] has an extensive system of escalators and [[Moving walkway|moving pavements]], which being the [[Central–Mid-Levels escalator|Mid-Levels escalator]], the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system.<ref>{{harvnb|Gold|2001}}.</ref>

[[Hong Kong Tramways]]’ tram network covers a portion of Hong Kong Island, covering from [[Kennedy Town]] to [[Shau Kei Wan]], with a branch to [[Happy Valley, Hong Kong|Happy Valley]]. It operates 6 routes and has had a rideship of 42,558 in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Transport {{!}} Annual transport digest 2023 |url=https://www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/atd/2023/en/section5-13.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.td.gov.hk |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730122832/https://www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/atd/2023/en/section5-13.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong Tramways – Schedules and Fares |url=https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.hktramways.com |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616021916/https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares |url-status=live }}</ref> It began servicing Hong Kong since 1904.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong Tramways: fun facts about the century-old Ding Ding {{!}} Hong Kong Tourism Board |url=https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/attractions/hong-kong-tramways.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Discover Hong Kong |language=en}}</ref> Hong Kong Tramways currently holds the Guinness World Record as the "Largest double-decker tram fleet in service", certified on 30 July 2021, with a fleet of 165 double-decker trams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2021 |title=Largest double-decker tram fleet in service |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/593163-largest-double-decker-tram-fleet-in-operation |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=Guinness World Records |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730054734/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/593163-largest-double-decker-tram-fleet-in-operation |url-status=live }}</ref> The fleet of trams were mostly built by [[Hong Kong Tramways]].

The [[MTR|Mass Transit Railway]] (MTR) is an extensive passenger rail network, connecting 99 [[rapid transit|metro]] stations and 68 [[Light Rail (MTR)|light-rail]] stops throughout the territory.<ref name="RailwayFacts">{{harvnb|Railway Network Facts|2018}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Transport Department – Railways |url=https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/railways/index.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.td.gov.hk |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626124121/https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/railways/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With a daily ridership of almost five million, the system serves 41% of all public transit passengers in the city<ref name="LegcoTransport">{{harvnb|Transport Statistical Highlights|2016}}</ref> and has an on-time rate of 99.9%.<ref>{{harvnb|Report on Rail Service|2014|p=1}}.</ref> Cross-boundary train service to Shenzhen is offered by the [[East Rail line]], and longer-distance [[Inter-city rail|inter-city trains]] [[Guangzhou–Kowloon through train|to Guangzhou]], [[Shanghai–Kowloon through train|Shanghai]], and [[Beijing–Kowloon through train|Beijing]] are operated from [[Hung Hom station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/cbs_introduction_tourist.html |title=Cross Boundary Train Services |publisher=[[MTR Corporation]] |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119030307/http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/cbs_introduction_tourist.html |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> This train service has however been suspended since the [[outbreak of COVID-19]], and officially closed by the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]] on 31 July 2024, as announced by the [[General Administration of Customs]], citing that [[Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway|high-speed passenger trains]] have effectively met the travel needs of passengers between the mainland and Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MTR > Intercity Passenger Services |url=https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/intercity_index.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.mtr.com.hk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-29 |title='End of an era' for Hong Kong's cross-border through-train services |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3175918/end-era-hong-kong-mtrs-cross-border-through-train |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=16 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316064243/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3175918/end-era-hong-kong-mtrs-cross-border-through-train |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=海關總署公告2024年第96號（關於關閉北京西站、上海站、廣州、東莞等4個鐵路口岸的公告） |url=http://gdfs.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/6013329/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731135355/http://gdfs.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/6013329/index.html |archive-date=31 July 2024 |access-date=31 July 2024 |website=General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China}}</ref> [[Hong Kong Express Rail Link|Connecting service]] to the [[China Railway High-speed|national high-speed rail system]] is provided at [[Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station|West Kowloon railway station]].<ref>{{harvnb|Kwok|2018}}.</ref>

Although public transport systems handle most passenger traffic, there are over 500,000 private vehicles registered in Hong Kong.<ref>{{harvnb|Vehicle Registration and Licensing|2018}}</ref> Automobiles drive [[Left- and right-hand traffic|on the left]] (unlike in mainland China), because of historical influence of the British Empire.<ref>{{harvnb|Labarre|2010}}.</ref> Vehicle traffic is extremely congested in urban areas, exacerbated by limited space to expand roads and an increasing number of vehicles.<ref>{{harvnb|Traffic Congestion Study|2014|pp=2–3}}</ref> More than 18,000 [[Taxis of Hong Kong|taxicabs]], easily identifiable by their bright colours and taxi lights, are licensed to carry riders in the territory.<ref>{{harvnb|Transport Facts|2016}}.</ref> Unlicensed ride-hailing services such as [[Uber]] also exists in Hong Kong, with some operating with licensed taxis to legitimise their business in ride-sharing. Unlicensed drivers have been targeted by the government and taxi drivers in the past, mainly due to the lack of [[third-party insurance]] on passengers and taxi drivers fearing the competition from drivers of these ride-hailing services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 May 2017 |title='Ridesharing should not be a crime': Uber criticises Hong Kong's outdated traffic laws following arrests |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2017/05/23/ridesharing-not-crime-uber-criticises-hong-kongs-outdated-traffic-laws-following-arrests/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-21 |title=Uber vs Hong Kong taxis: why is the government allowing the quarrel to fester? |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3263415/uber-vs-hong-kong-taxis-why-government-allowing-quarrel-fester-and-let-customers-lose |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718142137/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3263415/uber-vs-hong-kong-taxis-why-government-allowing-quarrel-fester-and-let-customers-lose |url-status=live }}</ref> The government in 2024 has looked into legalising these services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |title=Hong Kong to require permits for ride-hailing services including Uber |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3269375/hong-kong-require-private-hire-car-permits-ride-hailing-services-including-uber |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=16 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716100342/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3269375/hong-kong-require-private-hire-car-permits-ride-hailing-services-including-uber |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Bus services in Hong Kong|Bus services]] operate more than 700 routes across the territory,<ref name="LegcoTransport" /> with smaller [[public light bus]]es (also known as minibuses) serving areas standard buses do not reach as frequently or directly.<ref>{{harvnb|Cullinane|2002}}.</ref> Expressways and truck roads, organised with the [[Hong Kong Strategic Route and Exit Number System]], connect all major areas of the territory.<ref>{{cite map |title=Hong Kong Strategic Route Map |url=http://www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/hksrens/2008/EN/images/diagram.pdf |publisher=[[Transport Department]] |access-date=29 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615112730/http://www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/hksrens/2008/EN/images/diagram.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge]] provides a direct route to the western side of the Pearl River estuary.<ref name="HZMBridge" />

[[File:V813 entering Sunny Bay Station (20181013082946).jpg|thumb|left|alt=Light-rail train on a straightaway|MTR train on the [[Tung Chung line]]]]
[[Hong Kong International Airport]] is the territory's primary airport, replacing [[Kai Tak Airport|Kai Tak International Airport]] that ended its operation in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-06 |title='Goodbye Kai Tak': 25 years since Hong Kong's old airport turned off its lights |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3226610/hong-kongs-old-kai-tak-airport-closes-well-miss-you-scmp-archive |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> Over 100 airlines operate flights from the airport, including locally based [[Cathay Pacific]] ([[flag carrier]]), [[Hong Kong Airlines]], low-cost airline [[HK Express]] and cargo airline [[Air Hong Kong]].<ref>{{harvnb|HKIA Annual Report|2017|p=152}}.</ref> It was the [[List of busiest airports by passenger traffic|eighth-busiest airport by passenger traffic]]<ref>{{harvnb|NY/NJ Port Authority Airport Traffic|2017|p=32}}</ref> pre-COVID and handles [[List of busiest airports by cargo traffic|the most air-cargo traffic in the world]].<ref>{{harvnb|NY/NJ Port Authority Airport Traffic|2017|p=58}}</ref> Most private recreational aviation traffic flies through [[Shek Kong Airfield]], under the supervision of the [[Hong Kong Aviation Club]].<ref>{{harvnb|Wordie|2007|p=242}}.</ref>

The [[Star Ferry]] operates two lines across Victoria Harbour for its 53,000 daily passengers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/operationalInfo |title=Operational Information |publisher=[[Star Ferry]] |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130062543/http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/operationalInfo |archive-date=30 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ferries also serve outlying islands inaccessible by other means. Smaller [[kai-to]] boats serve the most remote coastal settlements.<ref>{{harvnb|Cushman|1993|p=57}}.</ref> Ferry travel to Macau and mainland China is also available.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/crossboundary/ferryservices.htm |title=Ferry Services to Macau and the Mainland Ports |publisher=Hong Kong Government |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119151136/https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/crossboundary/ferryservices.htm |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Junk (ship)|Junks]], once common in Hong Kong waters, are no longer widely available and are used privately and for tourism.<ref>{{harvnb|Tatlow|2017}}.</ref>
The large size of the port gives Hong Kong the classification of Large-Port Metropolis.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Roberts |first1=Toby |last2=Williams |first2=Ian |last3=Preston |first3=John |date=19 May 2021 |title=The Southampton system: a new universal standard approach for port-city classification |journal=Maritime Policy & Management |volume=48 |issue=4 |pages=530–542 |doi=10.1080/03088839.2020.1802785 |s2cid=225502755 |issn=0308-8839|doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Utilities ===
{{Main|Energy in Hong Kong|Electricity sector in Hong Kong|Water supply and sanitation in Hong Kong}}
[[File:Lamma Power Station - October 2019.jpg|thumb|[[Lamma Power Station]], October 2019]]

Hong Kong generates most of its electricity locally.<ref name="energystats2016p1">{{harvnb|Energy Statistics Report|2017|p=1}}</ref> The vast majority of this energy comes from fossil fuels, with 46% from coal and 47% from petroleum.<ref>{{harvnb|Energy Statistics Report|2017|p=9}}</ref> The rest is from other imports, including nuclear energy generated in mainland China.<ref>{{harvnb|Energy Statistics Report|2017|p=29}}</ref> Renewable sources account for a negligible amount of energy generated for the territory.<ref>{{harvnb|Energy Statistics Report|2017|p=6}}</ref> Small-scale wind-power sources have been developed,<ref name="energystats2016p1" /> and a small number of private homes and public buildings have installed solar panels.<ref>{{harvnb|Chan|2017}}.</ref>

With few natural lakes and rivers, high population density, inaccessible groundwater sources, and extremely seasonal rainfall, the territory does not have a reliable source of freshwater. The [[Dong River (China)|Dong River]] in Guangdong supplies 70% of the city's water,<ref name="LeeWater">{{harvnb|Lee|2013}}.</ref> and the remaining demand is filled by harvesting rainwater locally.<ref>{{harvnb|Water Supply Facts|2016}}.</ref> Toilets in most built-up areas of the territory flush with seawater which reduces freshwater use.<ref name="LeeWater" />

Broadband Internet access is widely available, with 92.6% of households connected. Connections over [[Fiber to the x|fibre-optic infrastructure]] are increasingly prevalent,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/media_focus/data_statistics/key_stat/ |title=Key Communications Statistics |publisher=[[Office of the Communications Authority]] |access-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620153354/https://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/media_focus/data_statistics/key_stat/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> contributing to the high regional average connection speed of 21.9 Mbit/s (the world's fourth-fastest).<ref>{{harvnb|Akamai's State of the Internet|2017|p=54}}</ref> Mobile-phone use is ubiquitous;<ref>{{harvnb|IT and Internet Usage|2017|p=9}}.</ref> there are almost 22 million [[List of countries by number of mobile phones in use|mobile-phone accounts]] registered in Hong Kong,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong (China) mobile cellular subscriptions 2000–2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/498360/number-of-mobile-cellular-subscriptions-in-hong-kong-china/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20mobile-cellular,in%202021,%20to%2021.9%20million. |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref> which is almost triple the territory's population.