Tramway ride, HK Island
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Tram - by Koreval
Description
The Hong Kong tram system was one of the earliest forms of public transport in the city, having opened in 1904, and is still in use today. Trams have always been electric and only double-decker trams are in operation. Hong Kong people informally call the tramway the "Ding Ding", in reference to the double-bell ring used by the trams to warn pedestrians of their approach. It is used by tourists and residents alike. The line measures a total of 13km mostly between Kennedy town at the western end of Hong Kong Island and Shau Kei Wan at the eastern end with some services making an incursion into Happy Valley.
Access & Transport
The line mostly runs parallel to the north shore of HK Island, along its most populated and busy areas. It is often in close proximity to MTR stations and is a form of transport that visitors can not only experience but use to go from one attraction / neighbourhood to another. HK trams are not accessible to wheelchair users
Instructions & Recommendations
Good places to get onboard would be Kennedy Town, Sheung Wan, Central, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley and North Point / Quarry Bay. Payment is in cash (no change given) or by Octopus card when getting off the tram. Views are of course better on the upper deck but watch out, stops are not announced so keep an eye on the street signs An original option is the sightseeing tour available on the antique-style tramcar No. 68, which has an open balcony and a historical exhibit on board. The price for the 1 hour tour is HKD150 for adults and HKD95 for kids with boarding and alighting taking place at the sightseeing tour termini: Western Market and Causeway Bay (https://hktramways.com/en/tramoramic/)
Environmental & Social
The tram is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in the city as it draws power from electricity so there is no exhaust pollution. However, 50% of the city's electricity is generated from coal and only 2% from renewable sources (the remaining coming from nuclear and natural gas). Socially it provides an affordable pubic transport option to residents
Conclusion
The Ding Ding tram is extremely popular with visitors to the city, it is cheap and iconic. It also gets visitors from one place to another which turns out to be a very efficient use of time. The main drawback is that it can be quite slow as it needs to obey traffic rules (i.e. stopping at traffic lights) and can be hampered by car traffic.
Key positive
Incredibly cheap
Very central with plenty of stops to board
No direct CO₂ emissions
Key negative
Slow moving through traffic
Seats are uncomfortable and it can get hot inside, especially the summer
Suitability
Definitely one for all ages, kids will find this mode of transport and the ding ding warning sound quite fun. Not suitable for wheelchair users
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Monday05:00 - 24:30
Tuesday05:00 - 24:30
Wednesday05:00 - 24:30
Thursday05:00 - 24:30
Friday05:00 - 24:30
Saturday05:00 - 24:30
Sunday05:00 - 24:30