The MTR Officially Opened on October 1st, 1979

21st-century Hong Kong boasts one of the most efficient subway systems in the world. Carrying an average of 4.75 million passengers daily and operating with a punctuality rate of 99.99%, the MTR, which stands for Mass Transit Railway, is an engineering masterpiece. Yet, Hong Kong only acquired its subway system relatively recently. While London’s Underground is well over 150 years old, as of 2026, the MTR has not yet celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Studies regarding Hong Kong’s transport system began in the 1960s, prompted by the city’s rapid growth. Four lines were initially proposed to be completed between 1973 and 1984. In 1972, authorization was granted for the construction of three lines: the Kwun Tong Line, the Tsuen Wan Line, and the Island Line.

After a few modifications to the initial plans, construction began in November 1975, and on October 1st, 1979, the line running from Shek Kip Mei to Kwun Tong became the first MTR line to open.

On February 12th, 1980, the full Modified Initial System, as it was then known, opened. It ran from Kwun Tong to Chater, which was later renamed Central. In 1982, the section between Chater and Argyle (later renamed Mong Kok) was transferred to the Tsuen Wan Line.