While walking along the bustling streets of Hong Kong, you are sure to encounter numerous roaring buses that practically skim the curb as they stop to pick up and drop off passengers. During rush hour, long lines of commuters form along pavements behind the distant, tall bus-stop posts that mark the head of the queue. The passengers file on to the buses, and some make their way up the stairs inside to see the city from a different perspective.

It is expensive to own and drive a car in Hong Kong, due to high taxes, the rising cost of petrol and steep parking fees. The double-decker bus is a great alternative: not only is it affordable and reliable, but you can get virtually anywhere by bus, especially to the more remote areas that are inaccessible by subway (MTR). Moreover, the expanded size of the double-decker means it is able to offer more space to carry the swarms of people who have places to get to.

The double-decker is a practical reminder of Hong Kong’s colonial past. The red two-storey bus is a London icon and under British rule, Hong Kong also came to adopt the double-decker as a favourite means of getting around. It all started in the 1940s when a population boom created a greater demand for public transportation facilities. Kowloon Motor Bus received its first 20 double-decker buses in 1949, and the rest is history.

There are about 5,000 double-decker buses on the roads of Hong Kong today. Their proliferation is an indication of their popularity and success. They have undergone many changes over the years, but all for the good, with each new model bringing a more updated look and better functionality. Gone are the days of buses that were swelteringly hot in the summer – now almost all buses have air-conditioning. In the days of yore, conductors sold tickets on the buses, but they were eventually replaced by coin boxes. Nowadays, all buses accept the Octopus card, making entry on to the bus as easy as one quick swipe.

For visitors, sitting on the upper floor of a bus is a true Hong Kong experience and can be a thrilling way to see the city. Many tourist attractions, such as Stanley Market and Ocean Park, are not accessible by MTR but are easily reached by bus and are popular destinations for a double-decker excursion. Happy riding!