Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of the most convenient means of public transport in Hong Kong. It can take you almost anywhere you want to go. CityU is approximately ten minutes' walk from Kowloon Tong MTR Station. Trains usually arrive at two-minute intervals. Be aware that the MTR is often extremely crowded during rush hours. Buses, minibuses, trams, ferries and taxis are also widely used in Hong Kong and you can catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way. Maps and information boards are present in each MTR station to facilitate your ease of travel. A bus terminal is located next to Festival Walk, which is about 10 minutes by foot from campus. For more information on how to get around in Hong Kong, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Most public transport requires exact change or an Octopus card. This electronic stored-value card is a must-have for everybody living and working in Hong Kong. Those with an Octopus card do not need to use cash in daily life. It is accepted by most public transport systems including buses, minibuses, trains, ferries, the Peak Tram, and some taxis. Convenience stores, supermarkets and self-service catering outlets, including the canteens at CityU also accept Octopus. To pay a fare, simply place the Octopus card on the reader located next to the fare box and the fare gets deducted electronically. A new Octopus card includes a refundable HK$50 deposit. Any leftover money is refunded when you return the card (a handling fee will be charged for cards returned within three months of issue). Octopus cards are available at the Airport Express Customer Service Counters on Level 5 of the Hong Kong International Airport and at most public transport customer service centres.
(Adapted from http://www.octopus.com.hk/home/en/index.html, May 2013)
