The case for building a transport museum in Hung Hom
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In this rapidly evolving city, transport is not only a convenience but also a witness to an era. Whether Hongkongers have travelled by rickshaw, sedan chair, ferry, tram, bus or rail through the years, the various modes of transport have framed the memories of many generations, been witness to the city's social development and are a part of our history.
That kind of history calls for a dedicated museum. Currently, there seems to be a problem of inadequate museum space and many pieces of our transport heritage are not displayed in public museums. Instead, Fourth-generation Peak Tram cars can be found on Victoria Peak, while
retired 'Fly Head' or Mid-life Refurbishment train cars are on display along the Wan Chai harbourfront.
The Hong Kong government wants to promote tourism. A transport museum could attract tourists from all over the world, especially rail enthusiasts.
The London Transport Museum showcases vehicles from different eras and attracts 400,000 visitors per year. In Saitama, Japan, the Railway Museum features both simulators and traditional displays, attracting 1 million tourists per year.
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If managed well, a transport history museum could bring both cultural and economic benefits.
Hung Hom has long been a transport hub in Hong Kong, with facilities such as the railway and the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. It was also once a freight harbour that handled transshipment cargo and international mail.
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