Hong Kong Peak Tram on track for summer comeback after smooth trial run of new carriages
- Iconic attraction has been closed over past eight months for renovations
- No set date has been announced, but recent successful run of new tramcars signals impending launch
Hong Kong’s iconic, 134-year-old Peak Tram is set to make a summer comeback following an eight-month closure for a final phase of renovations, with recently completed test runs on new carriages.
The sixth-generation tramcars, sporting deep green exteriors, were seen climbing their tracks in the past week, after their burgundy predecessors were retired nearly nine months ago.
Passers-by and residents along the tram line were generally upbeat about the service’s return, with capacity boosted by 75 per cent to 210 passengers compared with 120 previously. The upgrade is also expected to cut queuing times to about 17 minutes.
Chan Kin-ming, 47, a construction worker on a site near the Kennedy Road tram stop, said it was a “breath of fresh air” to witness the test runs.
“It’s pretty cool to see the trams operating. The deep green colour is definitely something new for both locals and tourists to experience,” Chan added.
“I think it’s more important to keep the tram route running and updated. While the red cars were definitely iconic, it’s time for something new,” he said.
The Swiss-made tramcars have wider doors and access for passengers with disabilities, along with larger panoramic and skylight windows.
