Is there something like a free lunch or ride in the world? In case you are in Hong Kong on May 29th, 2012 you can experience and enjoy free rides on Hong Kong’s popular and iconic Star Ferries and Ding Ding Trams. In order to celebrate the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) establishment over 150 years ago (the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce was founded on May 29th, 1861) every visitor and local resident can enjoy free rides throughout the day on two of Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic transport systems.

The idea behind this special event is to enhance the public awareness of the chamber as the voice of business as well as providing an opportunity to bring members and Hong Kong’s community closer together. Similar to the Star Ferry and the Ding Ding Tram, the HKGCC has been around for over 100 years, grown together with Hong Kong as well as contributed to Hong Kong’s development.

On June 2011, the HKGCC already celebrated its 150 years anniversary with a “Free Ride Day” (please read our related article “9th of June – Free Ride Day of Star Ferry and Tram“) which we thought would be an historic once in a lifetime event. It seems that this event was a full success and there is a slight chance that the HKGCC might consider making this “Free Ride Day” activity an annual event. However, we give this event two-thumbs up and hope that Hong Kong has a new annual attraction called “Free Day Ride” in future.

Free Ride Details:

Star Ferry: Free rides are available on the Star Ferry routes between Central, TST and Wanchai, but not for the Star Ferry Harbour Tours.
Ding Ding Tram: Free rides are available on the full fleet of trams from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan. Please note: The Peak Tram is NOT included in the Free Day Ride.

Insider Tips: Last year, the HKGCC gave away and distributed randomly 1000 sets of special commemorative stamps albums of their anniversary on the free rides on the Star Ferry and Ding Ding Tram. We are not sure if there are any giveaways this year as well, but keep your eyes open.