Central-Mid-Levels escalator
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The Central-Mid-levels escalator in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.
The whole system is 800 m long, and the vertical climb is 135 m. Total travel time is 20 minutes, but most people walk while the system moves to shorten the travel time. Due to its vertical climb, the same distance is equivalent to several miles of zigzagging roads if travelled by car. It consists of 20 escalators and 3 moving sidewalks. Daily traffic exceeds 45,000 people. It has been operating since 1993. It cost HK$240 million (US$30 million) to build. The estimated cost of electricity used by the system is HK$500,000 (US$65,000).
It was officially opened to the public on 15 October 1994. It plays a very important role in transport in Hong Kong since it links Des Voeux Road in Central with Conduit Road in the Mid-levels, passing through narrow streets.
The escalator runs downhill from 0600 to 1000 and uphill from 1030 to 2400 every day. Apart from its significance in transport it is also a tourist attraction, with many restaurants, bars, and shops lining its route.
It is managed by the Guardian Property Management Limited.
Hong Kong Island is dominated by steep, hilly terrain, which makes it the home of some rather unusual methods of transport up and down the slopes.