In a unique experiment, about 70 insomniacs boarded a bus with no specific destination, which followed an 85-kilometre route away from the congested areas of the city center, from coastal highways through Hong Kong airport.
The unique bus trip was operated in Hong Kong on November 21 without a destination, to help insomnia sufferers sleep.
This is the first "silent bus", in which passengers are invited to relax and plunge into a deep sleep, according to a report by the French newspaper Lefigaro.
The bus journey includes quiet roads with few traffic lights to ensure a comfortable sleep experience for its passengers (Shutterstock)
Quiet roads so that passengers do not wake up
Frankie Shaw, president of Olu Travel, says he has carefully chosen quiet roads with as few traffic lights as possible, to minimize stops likely to wake passengers, all to ensure they have a short, restful sleep.
The bus followed an 85-kilometre route away from the congested areas of the city centre, from coastal highways to Hong Kong airport.
The ticket price was between 99 and 399 local dollars (11.30 and 45.50 euros), with seats on the upper floor more expensive.
Filling the void of desire to travel
Almost everywhere, sleep disturbances increased after the lockdown period that was difficult for everyone.
In Hong Kong in particular, strict lockdown rules have isolated residents from the rest of the world.
For the head of the bus company, the goal is twofold: first to help insomnia sufferers get some sleep, and secondly to provide some entertainment for those who want to see the sights 20 months after the border closed.
One passenger stated: "Previously, I used to go to the airport every month to travel. Besides sleeping, this tour gives us the travel experience."
Participant in the experiment: On the bus you can sleep very quietly, because it sways and vibrates (Shutterstock-expressive)
How do the participants describe the experience?
After 5 hours, participants in this experiment said they felt better after waking up.
"I think everyone has had the experience of not being able to sleep at home, while on the bus you can sleep very quietly, because it rocks and shakes," said a passenger, Hou Wei.
"All Hong Kong residents are suffering from the pressures of work, rising apartment prices and lifestyle, and now the inability to travel," Ho Mai said with regret.
Another passenger, Matthew Cheek, said he couldn't take his eyes off the landscape during his journey, explaining: "It's very good to have a good sleep, but you can also enjoy the scenery, the choice is yours."