The Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. The system covers over 800 metres (2,600 ft) in distance and traverses an elevation of over 135 metres (443 ft) from bottom to top. It opened in 1993 to provide an improved link between the Central and Mid-Levels districts on Hong Kong Island. Coordinates: Central–Mid-Levels escalator Chinese 中環至半山自動扶梯系統 Transcriptions Yue: Cantonese Jyutping zùng waan zí bún sàan zìh dùhng fu tài hàih tūng As at November 2018, the top stage of the escalator between Robinson Road and Conduit Road has been replaced, and went operational on 11 July 2018. The escalator between Mosque and Robinson Roads is under refurbishment. Apart from serving as a mode of transportation, the system is also a tourist attraction and is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.[1] Contents

History Edit

Description Edit

Operations Edit

Daily patronage Edit The Transport Department conducted patronage surveys for the entire system in 2005 and 2010. In 2005, the system saw about 54,000 daily pedestrian trips. This grew to 85,000 trips in 2010. The department noted that the escalator has relieved demand for public transport, but has not led to many motorists giving up driving or reduced traffic congestion, in line with the traffic planning principle of induced demand.[17] Year Daily usage 1996 34,000[18] 2005 54,000[17] 2010 85,000[17] 2016 78,000[19] Management and maintenance Edit Management and maintenance of the system is the responsibility of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). It is monitored during operating hours by staff in a control room near Caine Road. The system is equipped with 75 CCTV cameras, LED Variable-message signage, and a public address system with about 200 speakers. Since 2014, EMSD has contracted out management and maintenance to a private company.[16] As of 2014, the annual maintenance cost of the system is about HK$12.5 million.[20] The entire system will be refurbished in stages from 2018 to 2022.[21] Tidal flow Edit The one-way escalators and moving walkways run downhill from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then uphill from 10 a.m. to midnight daily.[6] Users wanting to travel in the opposite direction must use the staircases and ramps along the escalator, which consists of total 782 steps between Conduit Road and Queen's Road Central footbridge. There is an entrance and exit on each road it passes, often on both sides of the road.

Bisecting streets Edit

As film location Edit

Gallery Edit

See also Edit