The early 19th century marked the beginning of Hong Kong’s development – the ferry and tram also emerged during that time, growing alongside our budding city.
Apart from being the most historical forms of transportation, the Star Ferry and the tram are also Hong Kong’s most economical means of going places. Furthermore, the Star Ferry has been named as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime” by the National Geographic Traveler. A journey on the ferry or tram provides us with a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving us time to slow down and relax a little.
The Star Ferry Company was founded in 1871 by Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, a Parsee merchant. Its pier was originally constructed on the waterfront between Ice House Street and Connaught Road Central, and was relocated five times before settling down in its current site by the International Finance Centre. The ferry’s white-and-green colour scheme represents the sky and the sea respectively, merging the fleet with the surroundings of Victoria Harbour.
In 1842, only 5,000 people lived on the land in Hong Kong, but the population began to grow as social stability was achieved. Consequently, more land was developed by the government and a transport network was eventually deemed necessary. This system, which we now know as the tram, was implemented along the coastline of Hong Kong Island by a group of merchants. The tram’s track began from Sai Ying Poon in the west and ran eastward until the Quarry Bay terminus (as Shau Kei Wan was still an undeveloped area in the post-war 40s).
The Star Ferry and the tram are still alive and kicking today after having been around for more than a century. In addition to being indispensable forms of transport for Hong Kong’s citizens, they have also become icons of our metropolis – two very classic local “brands” indeed!
