Transport - Tram

Hong Kong Tramways Limited has been operating tram service in Hong Kong since 1904. When Hong Kong Tramways was founded, the 26 tramcars of the first fleet were all single-deck. After more than 100 years, we now own and operate a fleet of 163 tramcars which includes 2 antique tramcars. It is the world's largest fleet of double-deck tramcars still in operation, carrying an average of 230,000 passengers every day.

Routing and Tram Schedule 

Hong Kong Tramways operates 6 main routes running between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan everyday from 6:00 to 24:00. The tram service maintains to have a tramcar depart in every 1.5 minutes during peak hours on average. Frequency on all routes will be adjusted to meet traffic's requirement.

The 6 routes are:

1. Shau Kei Wanà Western Market
2. Shau Kei Wanà Happy Valley
3. North Pointà Whitty Street
4. Happy Valleyà Kennedy Town
5. Causeway Bayà Kennedy Town
6. Western Marketà Kennedy Town

Fare

Tram is the most economical mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Regardless of distance, only HK$2.00 will be charged for each adult passenger. Senior citizens and children can enjoy a lower fare at HK$1.00. Every tram currently in service has been equipped with an Octopus reader located at the front exit of the tram. Monthly ticket is also available and being sold at Hong Kong Tramways' Whitty Street tram depot, Causeway Bay and North Point terminus.

Tram stop
Hong Kong Tramways serves to provide a convenient and safe waiting environment to our passengers. You can find a tram stop in an average of 250 meters intervals.

Tram Tickets and Fares

In the early days, Hong Kong Tramways used to import its tickets from England, except during the Japanese occupation period. After 1967, Hong Kong Tramways printed its tickets locally.

In 1904, tram service had two different classes (first and third, no second class). Both first class and third class tickets were similar in size. The top of the tickets showed the classes while the middle part marked the boarding points.

Conductor system was introduced in the early days of tram service. 2 conductors would be stationed at each tram for selling ticket on the upper and lower decks. In 1976, drop-in coin-boxes were installed at the trams. Conductors were no longer needed and most of them were trained to become motormen. Conductor system was finally abolished in 1982.

Today tram fare for adult is HK$2.00, which is very economical compared to other means of transportation. Passengers can either use octopus card or place the coins into the drop-in box.

Tram tickets would be punched when passengers got on the tram in the old days.

Different Generations of Tramcar

First-generation tram was single-deck. It appeared on the streets of Hong Kong in 1904

Second-generation tram was double-deck with open top (1912)

Third-generation tram was double-deck with canvas cover (1918)

Fourth-generation tram was designed with enclosed upper-deck which has been in use since 1930s (prototype of the present fleet)

The newest tram version, launched in 2000 and featuring a sturdy alloy aluminum metal body construction (2000)

My reflection

One of the special transports in Hong Kong--------Tram

Do you know which transportation we can travel on Hong Kong Island only? Yes, that is tram. Tram has a long history in Hong Kong which was establish in 1904. In my mind, I thing tram not only is one of the very slow transportation, but also is the cheaper in Hong Kong. However, I am very enjoy on the tram, it is because although it is slow, it can let me see more the views outside. And we can feel the wind come from any where. But I don’t like travel this transportation in summer holidays, it is because that is too hot inside, I don’t like that feeling very much. I like travel it in winter, it is because the temperature are more suitable for me, hahaha~~ I think that travelers who come from an oversea, they need to try this transportation at least once time to feel what I mention before.                       

---Change Kwok