A little history may just help in-depth tourism get going

Stacy Shi

Citybus is working with the government to enable the public and tourists to experience the city's transportation history by riding refurbished Leyland Olympian buses.

This will create a unique, in-depth travel experience, aligning with the concept of "tourism everywhere," said the bus company.

Citybus' managing director Richard Hall said the company hopes to operate these vintage buses in areas targeting tourism, though a specific route or district has not been identified yet.

The 30-year-old Leyland Olympian bus, a symbol of Hong Kong's public transport heritage, was yesterday displayed at the birthplace of public bus services in City One, Sha Tin, as part of Citybus' 45th anniversary celebrations.

In addition to the restored 11-meter air-conditioned Leyland Olympian, Citybus now has a fleet of eight classic buses. However, due to licensing requirements and regulations, these vintage buses are currently unable to carry passengers on a tour that could revive nostalgic memories for residents.

Hall said that the goal is to transform the classic bus fleet into a mobile tourist attraction, promoting Hong Kong's unique double-decker bus culture to visitors and sharing the city's transportation and social development over the past decades.

The restoration of the Leyland Olympian bus has taken engineers approximately two years. The bus now features the classic gray, red and yellow striped seats, red curtains, and the iconic Citybus logo and slogan.

Bus enthusiasts expressed their excitement to ride the restored bus, as it holds historical significance.

A Tuen Mun resident, Chan, said he used to ride the Leyland Olympian in the past and was glad to see it again.

A citizen, Wong, said although he had never ridden on a Leyland Olympian, he was excited to see the restored vehicle, adding it would encourage youngsters to learn about Hong Kong's bus development.

And Jun, an exchange student from Singapore, was introduced to the display by a local friend. He said the Leyland Olympian buses also used to run in Singapore. "I'd be happy to ride it again given the opportunity because it has been a very long while since I last rode it," he said.