The 2.3 Kilometre Long Franchised Bus Route

Hong Kong is famous for its state-of-the-art public transportation system. The MTR is one of the most reliable subway systems in the world, boasting a reliability rate of 99.9%. If there is no MTR station nearby, four bus companies operate around 700 franchised bus routes. The longest of these, Route N42A, covers a distance of 73.3 kilometres (45.5 miles).

Then there is circular Route 71B—operated by KMB—which connects Fu Heng Estate to Tai Po Central Bus Terminus and back. As a strictly circular route, its total length is just 2.3 kilometres (1.43 miles), with the entire loop taking 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Unlike other short routes—such as the 4.3-kilometre-long Route 273S, which only runs as an auxiliary service—Route 71B is a regular service. It operates every day of the week, including weekends, at intervals of 10 minutes during peak hours and 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak daytime hours.

To top it off, Route 71B is not only the shortest route in Hong Kong, but it also features the territory's lowest fare: a standard adult fare of HK$2.60 (US$0.33) and a standard concessionary rate of HK$2.00 (US$0.26) for eligible elderly cardholders. Ironically, however, due to its very short length, it is also Hong Kong's most expensive bus route when measured by its rate-per-kilometre.