Hong Kong's rickety old trams being phased out

HONG KONG (Reuters) -- Hong Kong's rickety wooden trams, a favorite tourist attraction that have stood the test of time for almost a century, will not be around for much longer.

By the end of 2004, the clattering old trams that have plied the bustling streets of Hong Kong island since 1904 will be history, replaced by sleek, green and white trams that are seen as more in sync with the modern metropolis.

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Dubbed the "Millennium New Trams" for their contemporary streamlined design and aluminum-alloy bodywork, one of the new cars made its debut this week.

"We want a modern look for the new millennium," T.K. Wong, general manager of Hongkong Tramways Ltd, a unit of Wharf Holdings Ltd, said on Wednesday. "The new trams will mark our centenary."

Gliding through the crowded districts of Wanchai and Causeway Bay, the smart new tram was in stark contrast to the rattling relics with their clanging bells.

Starting next year the existing 163-strong fleet will be replaced gradually -- four every month -- at a total cost of $6.4 million, Wong said.

The new trams will have fewer seats but they will be more spacious and have more standing room. One-third of the new fleet will be air conditioned.

The appearance of the new tram on Wednesday drew stares from pedestrians and a thumbs up from passengers who hopped on for free rides.

"It's modern, it's very good," said avid trainspotter Leung Ka-kit, 16, who chased the tram down several blocks to get on.

The tram company will charge no more than the existing 25-cent fare for the new trams, Wong said.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Hong Kong Trams

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