On August 24, 2024, approximately 1,400 railway enthusiasts in Hong Kong gathered to celebrate the MTR's 45th anniversary by boarding a retro-styled train reminiscent of the first-generation carriages from 1979. The event commenced at 10:45 AM at Choi Hung station, with the vintage train departing at noon for Tiu Keng Leng. This nostalgic train features a distinctive red stripe and classic interiors, attracting fans and families eager to learn about the railway's rich history [4e853cf3].
Notable attendees included Felix Cheng, 20, and Alan Cheung Siu-man, 55, who shared personal memories and memorabilia from the MTR's launch on October 1, 1979. The event not only celebrated the history of the MTR but also fostered a sense of community among railway fans [4e853cf3].
In addition to this celebration, Hong Kong's high-speed sleeper train service has been gaining attention for its innovative features, including a unique dining experience where passengers can order food delivered directly to their cabins. This service is part of a broader trend in China's food delivery market, which reached a value of 1.5 trillion yuan in 2023 [65c0071e].
The sleeper train service, which resumed on June 15, 2024, after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has significantly reduced travel time between Beijing and Hong Kong from 24 hours to just over 12 hours. Operated by China Railways and Hong Kong's MTR Corporation, the service can accommodate around 600 passengers each way [8e663d88].
While the compact cabins on the sleeper train have received some criticism for limited privacy and space, the overall reception has been positive, with passengers appreciating the opportunity to start their sightseeing or shopping in Hong Kong immediately upon arrival. However, demand for tickets has cooled since the initial launch, with availability noted just a day before departure [8e663d88].
In a separate discussion, travelers have expressed their desire for a more authentic travel experience, reminiscent of sleeper trains in Russia, where the absence of Wi-Fi fosters genuine human interactions. This sentiment highlights the evolving expectations of passengers on modern transportation services [09d15652].
However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred by crowd control issues at the 'Chill Fun Trainival' carnival held at Central Harbourfront, which began on September 25 and is set to conclude on September 29, 2024. On September 27, Hong Kong police were called to disperse crowds after admissions closed around 7:45 PM due to reaching capacity. Frustrated attendees shouted demands for entry and free MTR rides, prompting MTR Corp to announce refunds for those who purchased tokens but could not enter the event [081d00e1].
Overall, the celebration of the MTR's anniversary and the introduction of the high-speed sleeper train service reflect Hong Kong's vibrant transport culture and the community's appreciation for both history and innovation in travel, despite the recent challenges faced during the carnival [4e853cf3][65c0071e][8e663d88][09d15652][081d00e1].