Ocean Park's newest major attraction and funicular transport system - part of a HK$5.55bn (£432.8m, 485.8m euro, US$716m) Master Redevelopment Project (MRP) - has opened to visitors.

Running between the park's Waterfront and Summit areas, Ocean Express is claimed to be the world's first and only themed funicular system with an immersive show and running inside a theme park tunnel. At 1,300m in length, the new ride - with cars designed to resemble a submersible vehicle - offers visitors the option of a three minute express journey as against a 12-minute scenic cable car trip between the two points.

Ocean Park is now one of the first parks to operate two different ropeway systems side-by-side - two aerial cable car systems and a tunnel funicular system.

The fleet was activated after being christened by Ocean Park chairman, Dr. Allan Zeman at the Ocean Express Grand Opening Ceremony media event held at the park's Waterfront Plaza.

The event also saw Dr. Zeman announcing that an increase in admission charges will now not take effect until 9 October, rather than 5 October as previously planned. This follows an extension by the mainland Chinese authorities of the 'golden week' holiday to eight days, a move which the park believes will generate more tourism traffic to Hong Kong.

In a further development, Ocean Park's lowland and headland areas have gained new identities. The area beyond the Main Entrance gate, formerly The Lowland, is now called The Waterfront, while the area formerly known as The Headland is now The Summit.

Ocean Express is the second flagship project this year to open under the park's MRP after the launch of Amazing Asian Animals this April. Between now and 2012, more new MRP attraction areas will be opened, to include Aqua City in the Waterfront area, and The Rainforest, Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure at the Summit.