Monday 14 December 2015

Hong Kong Trams


Hong Kong is one of the few cities that uses trams extensively. In fact it's the only one in the world that uses double-decker trams exclusively. For 111 years the trams have been providing the cheapest and more environmentally-friendly mode of transport in Hong Kong.


The tram lines only operate on Hong Kong Island (not on the mainland) and run on a double track tramline for 8 miles along the north coast of the island, where the main commercial areas are concentrated.

For the measly sum of HK2.30 (that's 20 pence or thirty cents US) you can go from anywhere to anywhere. If that's not cheap enough, provided you are over 65, you can go for HK1.10. (The only better bargain that I'm aware of is that you can take the Star Ferry - below - from Hong Kong Island to the Kowloon mainland for free - if you are over 65).




There are over 160 trams, 120 stations, the track gauge is three and a half feet, the power is 550 V DC overhead electric lines, the trams can hold up to 115 people, go up to 50 km/h and have a frequency of 1.5 minutes during rush hour.

Anything else? oh yes, the Cantonese name for the trams is based on the sound their warning bell makes - 'Ding Ding!'


Brilliant!  

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