Hong Kong Tramways is a tram system in Hong Kong and one of the earliest forms of public transportation in Hong Kong, before the MTR. Owned and operated by Go-Ahead, and now becoming RATP Development Asia, the tramway runs from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town.
Trams in Hong Kong have not been the form of commuter transport for 110 years, but also a major transport attraction and one of the most environmentally-friendly tram systems in Hong Kong. The tramway opens in 1904.
In 2006, route maps were introduced at every tram stop. The logo was rebranded in 2017.
Hong Kong Tramways managing directors are Frankie Yick Chi-ming, Tsang Wing-yang, Bruno Charrade and Emmanuel Vivant.
History[]
Hong Kong Tramways had been conceptualised in 2004 on the Geocities website, in 2006, it has been launched as part of watching Time Crisis gunfight since the time we have television upstairs (it was in 2002 with a lot of friends). Timothy Mok had saw again when it was launched in 2007, and it was supposed to be the fully double-deck (and not articulated tram). Timothy Mok took again in December 2010 when we went to Hong Kong.
- 1881: Tramway system is proposed for Hong Kong.
- 1901: Proposal is accepted by Hong Kong Government.
- 1902: Hong Kong Tramway Electric Company Limited founded.
- 1902: Name changed to Electric Traction Company of Hong Kong Limited.
- 1903: Construction of a single-track system began, from Kennedy Town to Causeway Bay. The route was later extended to Shau Kei Wan.
- 1904: Bodies of the first fleet of 26 tramcars were built in the United Kingdom. They were then shipped in pieces Hung Hom to be assembled. The tramcars were all single-deck. Ten tramcars were designed for first class passengers and the others were for third class passengers. The first-class compartment was enclosed in the centre with two long benches on both sides, with both the front and back ends open. Seating capacity was 32 passengers. The third-class tramcars were open-sided, with six sets of benches running crossways, back to back, seating 48 passengers. Tram fares for the first and the third class were 10 cents and 5 cents respectively. Initially, the company planned to divide the trams into 3 classes, but subsequently only first and third class were chosen for ease of operation.
- 1932: Double-decker tram was introduced.
- 1942: Single-decker tram was phased out. The Japanese destroyed all single-decker trams.
- 1983: A single comprehensive depot at Russell Street was the only depot of the system in its early days. It was able to house the whole tram fleet (approximately 120 cars). Upon further extension, the depot was renamed Sharp Street Depot. Sharp Street Depot was closed in 1989 and its services were divided between two new depots, the Sai Wan Ho depot (East Depot) and the Whitty Street depot (West Depot).The Executive Council approved Tramways’ plan to relocate its depots to Sai Wan Ho and Sai Ying Pun in July 1986, on the argument that the HK$3.5 million in operating costs would be saved. The company promised that tram fares would be unchanged until the end of 1988. The old Sharp Street tram depot was decommissioned in 1988, and the Times Square commercial complex was constructed on the site.
- 2004: HKT celebrates 100 years of service.
- 2006: Observation at Hennessy Road.
- 2007: Route maps were installed in each tram stop. New driving panels were introduced in November.
- 2010: The ride from Admiralty to Happy Valley and Causeway Bay.
- 2017: Revamp with the new logo, new livery and new map.
Tickets[]
| Year | Fare | SGD |
|---|---|---|
| 1904 | $0.10 | |
| 1912 | $0.15 | |
| 1925 | $0.20 | |
| 1932 | $0.25 | |
| 1941 | $0.40 | |
| 1945 | $0.30 | |
| 1965 | $0.40 | $0.07 |
| 1985 | $0.50 | $0.09 |
| 1990 | $0.60 | $0.11 |
| 1993 | $0.70 | $0.13 |
| 1995 | $0.80 | $0.15 |
| 1998 | $0.90 | $0.16 |
| 2000 | $1.00 | $0.18 |
| 2004 | $1.10 | $0.20 |
| 2006 | $1.20 | $0.22 |
| 2007 | $1.30 | $0.24 |
| 2010 | $1.40 | $0.26 |
| 2011 | $1.50 | $0.27 |
| 2013 | $1.60 | $0.31 |
| 2014 | $1.70 | $0.33 |
| 2017 | $1.80 | $0.35 |
| 2019 | $1.90 | $0.36 |
| 2022 | $2.10 | $0.38 |
| 2024 | $2.40 | $0.41 |
| 2025 | $2.60 | $0.44 |
As of 2 July 2018, HKT fares are HK$2.60 for adults, HK$1.30 for children, and HK$1.20 for senior citizens. Unlike most forms of public transport in Hong Kong, HKT fares are uniform regardless of the distance travelled. Monthly tickets costing HK$200 are sold at the Shek Tong Tsui, Causeway Bay, and North Point termini at the end of each month.
Passengers pay upon alighting by either depositing the exact fare in coins into the farebox, or by using an Octopus card. Turnstiles at the tram entrances and closed circuit television prevent fare evasion by passengers.
Tourist Services[]
Sightseeing tours are available on antique-style tramcar No. 68, which has an open balcony and a historical exhibit on board. Sightseeing tram boarding and alighting take place at the sightseeing tour termini: Western Market and Causeway Bay.
Standard tramcars and antique-style, open-balcony tramcars No. 18, No. 28, No. 68, and No. 128 are available for private charter. Charter tram boarding and alighting take place at Whitty Street Depot, except for premium charter tramcar No. 18; its boarding and alighting takes place at Western Market Terminus.
Fleet[]
Hong Kong Tramways now owns 163 double-decker trams including two open-balcony tourist trams (28 and 128) for private hire. Most of the trams can spot at Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Hong Kong is the only full double-decker tram in the world. Before 1930s, single decker trams became the norm. The trams underwent slight conversion between 1932 and the wartime. During the wartime, many of the single decker trams were destroyed or implicated by the Japanese soldiers. In addition, the Hong Kong Museum of History also collects a tram number #50 as one of the exhibits; there is also a tram #50 on the market. In addition, Hong Kong Ocean Park specially collected a #201 tram to coincide with the opening of Hong Kong Old Street.
- 5th generation tram - the remaining
- 6th generation tram - #169-170
- 7th generation tram - #1, #11-13, #19, #23, #32, #35, #36, #40–42, #49, #52, #54, #56, #58, #60, #64, #66, #69, #70, #74, #77, #79, #94, #95, #99, #100, #106, #108, #109, #115, #116, #118, #122, #126, #129, #132, #133, #137, #141, #143, #146, #148, #154, #155, #157, #158, #162, #168, #171–175
- 7th generation sightseeing tram - #68
- 7th generation air-con tram - #88
Rebuilding of Hong Kong Tramways[]
After the war, only 143 double decker trams were in service, with at least 18 more completed by 1960s. In 1986, the Hong Kong Tramways began their rebuilding programme. Up to about 10-15 trams were being taken out after the Island Line was opened. #113, #30, #32, #43, #47, #52, #108, #126, #9, #12, #13 and #147 started to change to the modern design in 1986. The new design has the front rebuilt into modern look.
- 1986: #9, #12, #13, #30, #32, #43, #47, #52, #108, #113, #126, #147
- 1987: #20, #23, #28, #39, #40, #60, #70, #72, #73, #77, #89, #92, #100 (#28 became an open-topper)
- 1988: #16, #19, #34, #38, #48, #50, #56, #71, #75, #76, #128, #130, #134, #137 (#128 became an open-topper)
Hong Kong Tram scrapping:
- 13 October 2006: Tram #118
- 11 April 2007: Tram #100
- 27 July 2007: Tram #123
Fleetlist[]
- 1904 - 1931: 53 single-decker trams
- 1932 - 1941: 38 single-decker trams, 50 double-decker trams
- 1941 - 1942: 31 single-decker trams, 50 double-decker trams
- 1942 - 1944: 10 single-decker trams, 50 double-decker trams
- 1944 - 1945: 50 double-decker trams
- 1945 - 1950: 69 double-decker trams
- 1950 - 1962: 118 double-decker trams
- 1963 - 1985: 162 double-decker trams, 22 trailer trams
- 1985 - present: 162 double-decker trams
Hong Kong Tramways rebuilds[]
- November 2011: #168, #171, #172, #173, #174, #175
- January 2012: #99
- February 2012: #1
- November 2012: #58
- February 2016: #108
Tramway Changes[]
- Tram 1: rebuilt in mid-1989, decorated in "SWATCH" livery.
- Tram 2: covering Korean Ginseng livery for many years.
- Tram 3: rebuilt in 1987, "Lee Kum Kee" livery. Its vanished body was covered with long-historical advert, STAEDTLER for many years.
- Tram 4: rebuilt in 1991, decorated in plain yellow coat prior to "Sony" livery for several years.
- Tram 5: rebuilt in 1988, "AJINOMOTO" livery. Its vanished body was scrapped for the building of Millennium trams in 2000. The current body was renumbered from 63.
- Tram 6: rebuilt before end of 1986, decorated in Air France. Its body has gone in place of the new one in late 1991.
- Tram 29: likely from the dummy tram 888. Tram 29 (past) was renumbered to 30.
- Tram 36: transferred from 151.
- Tram 61: scrapped in May 2005, but the replacement tram 61 was done by renumbering from #85
Noise level[]
- Noise Level: 75dBA
- With VVVF under Toshiba: 65dBA
Services[]
- Kennedy Town - Happy Valley
- Shau Kei Wan - Happy Valley
- Shau Kei Wan - Kennedy Town (Peak Hours)
- Western Market - Kennedy Town (Peak Hours)
- Shek Tong Tsui - North Point
- Shek Tong Tsui - Causeway Bay
- Western Market - Shau Kei Wan
- Western Market - Causeway Bay (Panoramic Tram Tour)
HKT currently has around 120 tram stops, including its seven termini. The termini, from west to east, are Kennedy Town, Shek Tong Tsui, Western Market, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay, North Point, and Shau Kei Wan. The stops are densely located, with an average interval of 250 metres (820 ft) between them. Several tram stops are located in the middle of the road on sheltered refugee islands, which are accessed by pedestrian crossings or footbridges. Track crossovers near the Davis Street, Eastern Street, Pedder Street, Gresson Street, Victoria Park, North Point Road, and Mount Parker Road stops are used in emergency situations, such as en-route traffic accidents. The majority of HKT stops have remained unchanged since their establishment, but some have had name changes. The Pedder Street stop was previously named Shu Shun Kwun (書信館), which referred to a now-demolished former General Post Office building.
The Island Line of the MTR is roughly parallel to the tram line between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, where some sections are directly being built under the tram tracks. Many HKT stops are within close proximity to the MTR stations.
Ferry terminals can be accessed through the footbridges, such as the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal and the Central Ferry Piers. The latter contains Star Ferry Pier, which is one of the stops for the Star Ferry. The tram system currently has a total of 111 stopovers, and there are a total of 118 stops with 7 terminuses, with an average of one every 250 meters in each direction. Intermediate stations are numbered from 01 to 112 (no 103). Eastbound stations will be coded in odd numbers starting from 01 with "E", and the largest substation number will be 101E; stations on westbound lines will be coded in even numbers starting from 02 Go to "W", the largest substation number is 104W. The substations in Happy Valley are numbered 105-112, and there are no east-west lines.
The tram has regular destinations:
| Number | Destination | Note | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shau Kei Wan (Shaukeiwan) | In the event of disruption affecting these terminus, trams will terminate at Sai Wan Ho Depot. | Western Market Happy Valley Kennedy Town Shek Tong Tsui |
| 2 | Sai Wan Ho Depot | ||
| Quarry Bay | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| North Point | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| 3 | North Point | In the event of disruption affecting these terminus, tram service will be suspended. | Shek Tong Tsui |
| Victoria Park | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| 4 | Causeway Bay | In the event of disruption affecting these terminus, tram service will turn around at North Point instead. | Shek Tong Tsui Kennedy Town Western Market |
| 5 | Happy Valley (Eastbound platform) | Shau Kei Wan | |
| Happy Valley (Westbound platform) | Kennedy Town Shek Tong Tsui | ||
| Wan Chai | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| Admiralty | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| Central | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| 6 | Western Market (Eastbound platform) | Kennedy Town | |
| Western Market (Westbound platform) | Shau Kei Wan Causeway Bay Happy Valley North Point | ||
| Sai Ying Pun | Short trip service in the event of closures/disruptions | ||
| 7 | Shek Tong Tsui | In the event of disruption affecting these terminus, trams will either terminate at 92W (Hill Road) or Whitty Street Depot. | North Point Causeway Bay Happy Valley Shau Kei Wan |
| 8 | Whitty Street Depot | ||
| 9 | Kennedy Town | In the event of disruption affecting these terminus, trams will terminate at 104W (Davis Street). | Happy Valley Western Market Shau Kei Wan Causeway Bay North Point |
Tram fleetlist[]
| Tram | Date | Rebuilt | Route | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | December 2006 | August 2017 | Kennedy Town - Happy Valley | VVVF drive |
| #2 | March 2007 | December 2013 | Happy Valley - Kennedy Town | VVVF drive |
| #3 | December 2010 | December 2014 | Kennedy Town - Happy Valley | VVVF drive |
| #4 | December 2010 | December 2014 | Whitty Street - Causeway Bay | VVVF drive |
| #5 | February 2011 | August 2017 | Whitty Street - Causeway Bay | VVVF drive |
| #6 | February 2011 | August 2017 | Shau Kei Wan - Western Market | VVVF drive |
| #7 | April 2011 | Happy Valley - Kennedy Town | ||
| #8 | June 2018 | Whitty Street - Causeway Bay | VVVF drive | |
| #9 | July 2018 | Kennedy Town - Happy Valley | VVVF drive | |
| #10 | October 2024 | Western Market - Shau Kei Wan | ||
| #11 | October 2024 | Whitty Street - North Point | Antique tram (#120) | |
| #12 | October 2024 | Western Market - Shau Kei Wan | Millennium tram | |
| #13 | October 2024 | Whitty Street - Causeway Bay |
Closures/disruptions[]
- 1st Phase
- Kennedy Town (9) - Admiralty MTR Station / Central
- Whitty Street Depot (8) - Admiralty MTR Station / Central
- Shek Tong Tsui (7) - Admiralty MTR Station / Central
- Western Market (6) - Admiralty MTR Station / Central
- Shau Kei Wan (1) - North Point
- Sai Wan Ho Depot (2) - North Point
- 2nd Phase
- Western Market (6) - Happy Valley
- Western Market (6) - Causeway Bay
- Western Market (6) - North Point
- Western Market (6) - Shau Kei Wan
- Building demolition from Quarry Bay to Sai Wan Ho
- Shau Kei Wan (1) - Sai Wan Ho Depot (2)
- Quarry Bay - Happy Valley or Western Market
- 3rd Phase
- Western Market (6) - Kennedy Town
- Shau Kei Wan (1) - North Point
- 2014
- Kennedy Town - Happy Valley
- Shau Kei Wan - Victoria Park
Depots[]
In the 1920s, the Hong Kong Tramways decided to choose Russell Street in Causeway Bay to build a large depot called Russell Street Depot. In 1932, due to the increase of number of trams, the Russell Street Depot is not adequate for use, as a result King's Road Depot is built for parking.
In 1951, the tram company decided to expand the Russell Street Depot and renamed it Sharp East Street Depot to replace the King’s Road Depot. The construction was completed in 1953. As the depot is very close to the residential buildings on Sharp Street East and Russell Street, and the entry from Percival Street is a sharp bend, the sound of the tram is particularly harsh when it returns to the factory late at night.
Sharp Street East Depot is located in the current Times Square. When the tram enters the depot, it will first branch from Percival Street, passing through a small section of Russell Street into Matheson Street, and then turn right to the parking workshop. When leaving the depot, you will first turn left on Canal Road, then turn right via Leighton Road back to the main section of the branch line. Also, the current tram track at Leighton Road still exists, but has lost connection with the existing track.
Future Plans[]
In 2010, HKT appointed a consultancy firm to investigate the feasibility of constructing a 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) modern tramway system in the Kai Tak Development, built on the vacated site of the former Kai Tak Airport, in place of the Environmentally Friendly Linkage System monorail proposed by the Hong Kong Government. A proposal was submitted to the Development Bureau on 29 April 2013. HKT pointed out that the cost of constructing the proposed tram system is HK$2.8 billion, which is less than the HK$12 billion needed for a monorail system. Possible extensions to neighboring places such as To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, and Kwun Tong were suggested. Bruno Charrade, Managing Director of HKT, said that the new system's tramcars could be designed to resemble their Hong Kong Island counterparts or have a totally new design, depending on the government's discretion.
Beginning in 2011, the entire HKT fleet will be refurbished over a period of seven years at a cost of HK$75 million. The trams will keep their original exterior design, but the outer teak structures will be replaced with aluminium structures. The benches on the lower decks of the trams will be replaced with modern-looking single seats. Digital broadcasts will be placed inside the trams to inform passengers of the next stop, and LED lighting will be installed. AC motors will replace the current DC motors and a new magnetic emergency braking system will be added.
Tram branch line loop at Central-Wan Chai[]
In the 1990s, the Hong Kong government implemented the Central and Wan Chai reclamation plan. The tram company has conceived to build a new tram branch line that will pass through the Wan Chai reclamation area in Central to facilitate the public to reach the waterfront. Since Hong Kong trams were built along the coast when they were opened to traffic, another significance of this plan is to bring trams back to the waterfront. It is estimated that the branch line will start from the Sheung Wan Market, enter the western part of the reclamation area via Rumsey Street, and continue along the coast to the eastern part of the reclamation area (in the vicinity of Victoria Park Road) back to the original tramway on King's Road. At present, the completed Central Reclamation (in the vicinity of Central Pier and Hong Kong Station) has reserved a place for laying tram tracks.
In 2003, the Central Wan Chai reclamation plan was controversial and the reclamation plan was blocked. Because the reclamation plan needs to be reviewed again, and under the pressure of environmental protection groups, the area of reclamation may be reduced. It may not be possible to reserve space for tram tracks; however, some people think that trams that do not emit exhaust gas should be introduced into the new reclamation area. .
Subsequently, the Court of First Instance of the High Court ruled on March 9, 2004 to reject the judicial review proposed by the Association for the Protection of the Harbour in the Central District (Extension) Sub-Rui District Plan Outline Plan. The reclamation plan was successfully continued. In addition, in 2008, Wharf, the parent company of Hong Kong Tramways, sold half of its shares to Veolia Transport, a French transportation company, and made it clear that it proposed to build a new line on the Central New Waterfront. He said that the route will connect the Star Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, and it is a circular route, and the company also plans to re-manufacture multiple generations of old trams (both double and single). The Planning Department is synthesizing public opinions on the new waterfront in Central. It is understood that there are proposals to build environmentally friendly transportation routes such as trams and bicycles. The authorities are considering whether it is feasible.
Aborted Plans[]
In 1910s, Hong Kong Tramways proposed the Kowloon Tramways Project, where the completion of the KCRC caused the government to veto the plan.
In 1970s, Chai Wan was developed into a residential and industrial area, which greatly increased the traffic demand to Central. Extending the tram line from Shau Kei Wan to Chai Wan was considered, but was ultimately rejected due to low cost-effectiveness, as hills exist between Chai Wan and Shau Kei Wan, and difficulties arise from tunneling through the hills to make level track. It was replaced by the Island Line service — linking Chai Wan and Admiralty — which was opened to the public on 31 May 1985.
During the development of Tuen Mun New Town in the 1970s, the Hong Kong Government reserved space for the construction of a rail transportation system. In 1982, the government invited HKT to construct and operate a tram system in the area. HKT initially expressed interest in the construction of the railway and intended to operate it with double-decker trams, but later withdrew. The government then invited KCRC to construct and operate a light rail system. That system, now known as the Light Rail, opened to the public on 18 September 1988.
In popular culture[]
This tram was featured in the explosive collision in Time Crisis 4 and Sleeping Dogs.