Light Rail (MTR)
Light Rail (MTR): a quick, easy guide
What is Light Rail (MTR)?
- Light Rail in Hong Kong is a fast, light-rail system in the northwestern New Territories. It mainly serves the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long districts.
- It is part of Hong Kong’s public transport network and uses a fixed track system with an honour-based fare system (no ticket gates at stops).
Where it runs
- The network operates in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, connecting public housing estates, town centers, and some ferry piers. It’s designed to be a short-distance feeder system for people traveling within the area and linking to other rail lines.
How it works (basics)
- Track and power: Standard gauge rail (1,435 mm) with an overhead 750 V DC electric system.
- Vehicles: Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) that run in one direction, about 20 meters long, with doors on the left. End stations use loops so LRVs can reverse direction.
- Color on maps: The network is shown in goldenrod on maps.
History at a glance
- Planning: Began in the early 1980s as part of developing Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.
- Opened: The system began operating in September 1988, initially serving many public housing estates in northern Tuen Mun.
- Extensions and changes: The network was expanded in the 1990s to Tin Shui Wai and other areas. In 2003–2004, a major change linked Light Rail with the new West Rail line (now the Tuen Ma line) to encourage longer trips on West Rail and free up LRVs for shorter trips.
- Modernization: Over the years, LRVs were updated and new phases introduced. The newest Phase V LRVs entered service in 2020. In 2024, Hong Kong tested a hydrogen-powered tram car for potential future use.
Rolling stock (the trains)
- Phases I–V: LRVs have evolved through several production phases:
- Phase I (Comeng, 1988): originals with 43 seated and many standing passengers.
- Phase II (Kawasaki) and Phase III (A Goninan): newer designs with different interiors.
- Phase IV (UGL/CSR) and Phase V (CRRC Nanjing Puzhen): newer styles with updated features, more seating/standing capacity, and better onboard systems.
- Top speed is about 80 km/h, but actual speeds are lower due to frequent stops and intersections.
Routes and how many
- There are 11 current normal routes. The system also includes some peak-hour variants (shorter or special services) and a few newer extensions.
- Examples of route names you might see: 505, 506 (and peak variants like 506P), 507, 610, 614, 614P, 615, 615P, 751, and 751P. Some routes were created or adjusted as the network grew and as the West Rail/Tuen Ma line was introduced.
Fares and how you pay
- Fare structure is zone-based for single-ride tickets (zones 1 through 5, plus 5A for Tin Shui Wai). A trip can cross multiple zones.
- Octopus cards: The system uses distance-based fares via Octopus cards (the card is scanned on entry and exit; the fare is automatically deducted and refunded as appropriate). There is also a bonus program for frequent riders.
- There are no ticket gates at Light Rail stops, which is part of the honour-based system.
Safety and incidents (highlights)
- Over the years there have been several notable incidents, including accidents in 1994, 1995, 2013, 2014, 2023, and 2024. Investigations have led to improved safety measures, better signage, and changes to operations where needed.
Why it matters
- Light Rail provides essential local travel within the northwestern New Territories, helping residents reach housing estates, schools, workplaces, and ferry terminals. It also complements other MTR services by offering convenient short trips and connections to the broader network.
Current status
- The Light Rail network continues to operate as a key feeder system in the northwest, with ongoing maintenance, occasional service adjustments, and periodic fleet upgrades to improve reliability and passenger comfort.
This page was last edited on 28 January 2026, at 19:33 (CET).