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Democracy Dies in Darkness

Nov 4, 2021, 6 tweets

Hong Kong’s double-decker buses are not just a form of transportation but a popular space for commuters to take short naps.

Now, a tour company has designed and launched a five-hour bus journey specifically for customers to sleep as much as they want. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

In a poll by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, almost 7 out of 10 respondents reported experiencing insomnia.

In this hectic city, most people live in tiny spaces in high-rise towers; construction noise is ubiquitous and often goes from dawn to dusk. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

Frankie Chow, the founder of Ulu Travel Agency, had an idea.

His company rented an air-conditioned double-decker bus and designed a 47-mile route — the longest in Hong Kong — to maximize the time for passengers to zonk out. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

The 31 seats on the lower deck and 55 upstairs are made of artificial leather and have head support.

There are brief stops for bathroom breaks and at scenic points along the route, while customers are given eye masks and earplugs to help them sleep. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

Marco Yung, 29, said he did not sleep at all the night before to prepare for the trip.

He usually sleeps only six hours a night and takes naps during his lunch break. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

Many come for the novel experience; some are bus lovers; others simply come for the long, relaxing journey along a scenic route.

But some come to take a nap. wapo.st/3mEhWBY

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