Memories of an icon

On 1 December, between my flights arriving from Taipei and going out to San Francisco, I paid the old Star Ferry Central Piers a final visit. They’re being demolished to make way for reclaimed land. Their replacement, the new Central Piers are a good 300 meters and 15 minutes away (I timed it!). They shouldn’t even call it “Central” as the out of the way location of the piers will deter many regular commuters from riding the Star Ferry. For the longest time, the Star Ferry was the only way across the harbour. I’ll bet that most of the people in Hong Kong have ridden the Star Ferry and more than a few have a story or two about it.

Remembering an old friend…

The destruction is well under way…

I think those are Mrs. Field’s cookie boxes in the window

demolition men
In fact, the Central Ferry Pier, being centrally located and easy to get to from all points in Central was one of the busiest points in Hong Kong. The Star Ferry was THE way to cross Victoria Harbour prior to the tunnels and the MTR. It still was a bargain at HK$2.25 each way and was quite possibly (at night heading to Central) the seksi-est commute in the world. This pickup point used to be choked with minibasi, fullsizebasi, shuttles and taxis to take people into Central and the Mid Levels.

Now it’s just quiet, aside from the few people who catch a bus or are on a futile search for a taxi.

I couldn’t agree more (click the pic and read the center) because…
The “New” Central Ferry Pier is a good 15 minute walk from the old location and not central to anything at all.

It looks far because it IS far!
Many people came out to bid the Pier farewell, sharing their feelings and memories.


The Pier itself wanted to be saved too.

But after all the protests and outpouring of affection, it was the…

…of the Star Ferry as a method of commuting unless you work in IFC.
The additional 15 minutes to the journey negates any advantage of taking the ferry over the MTR. I hope that the Star Ferry remains a part of Hong Kong’s transportation network instead of becoming a kitschy tourist ride. More here, here and here.