Hong Kong Tramways

Last updated

Hong Kong Tramways
香港電車
Hong Kong Tramways Logo (2017).svg
Hong Kong Tramways in 2017.jpg
A typical HKT double-decker tram
Overview
LocaleFlag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong
Transit type Tramway
Number of lines1
Number of stations120
Daily ridership180,000 (2015) [1]
Website hktramways.com
Operation
Began operation30 July 1904;121 years ago (1904-07-30)
Operator(s) RATP Dev Transdev Asia
Number of vehicles165 [2]
Technical
System lengthMainline: 13.3 km (8.3 mi)

Happy Valley Loop: 2.6 km (1.6 mi)

Total Track Length: 30 km (19 mi)
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification 550 V DC (Overhead line, collected by a single trolley pole)
System map

Hong Kong Tramways

Contents

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Kennedy Town Terminus
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Davis Street
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Smithfield
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North Street
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Sands Street
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Holland Street
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Kennedy Town Praya
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Queen's Road West
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Hill Road
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Shek Tong Tsui Terminus
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Whitty Street
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BSicon TRAM-HK.svg Whitty Street Depot
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Water Street
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Western Street
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Eastern Street
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Sutherland Street
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Queen Street
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Connaught Road West
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Macau Ferry Terminal
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BSicon TRAM-HK.svg Western Market Terminus
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Hillier Street
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Man Wah Lane
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Gilman Street
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Jubilee Street
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Pottinger Street
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Pedder Street
HK MTR logo.svg BSicon BOOT.svg
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Ice House Street
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Bank Street
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Murray Road
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Cotton Tree Drive
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Admiralty MTR Station
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Arsenal Street
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Fenwick Street
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Gresson Street
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Luard Road
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Swatow Street
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O'Brien Road
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Fleming Road
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Burrows Street
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Tonnochy Road
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Tin Lok Lane
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Canal Road West
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Sharp Street East Depot
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Morrison Hill Road
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Foo Ming Street
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Queen's Road East
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Leighton Road
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Hong Kong Cemetery
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Broadwood Road
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Happy Valley Terminus
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Wong Nai Chung Road
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Percival Street
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Paterson Street
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Pennington Street
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BSicon TRAM-HK.svg Causeway Bay Terminus
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Shelter Street
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Victoria Park
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Hing Fat Street
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Lau Sin Street
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Lau Li Street
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Wing Hing Street
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Jupiter Street
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Fortress Hill
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Chun Yeung Street
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North Point Road
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North Point Terminus
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Shu Kuk Street
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North Point Depot
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Tin Chiu Street
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Healthy Street West
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Healthy Street East
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Java Road
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Finnie Street
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Mount Parker Road
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Shipyard Lane
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Kornhill
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Tai Koo Shing Road
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Tai Hong Street
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Tai On Street
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Holy Cross Path
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Hoi Foo Street
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Sai Wan Ho Depot
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Sun Sing Street
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Nam Hong Street
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Chai Wan Road
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Shau Kei Wan Terminus
HK MTR logo.svg

Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) is a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow-gauge tram [3] system in Hong Kong. Owned and operated by RATP Dev, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.

Hong Kong's tram system is one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis, having opened in 1904 under British rule. It has used electric trams since its inauguration, and has never used horse or steam power. It owns the world's largest operational double-decker tram fleet, and is a very rare example of a tram system that uses them exclusively. [4] In addition to being used by commuters, the system is popular with tourists, and is one of the most environmentally friendly and cheapest ways of travelling in the city.

History

Trams crossing Bowrington Canal (now covered by Canal Road East and Canal Road West) in the 1920s Canal 1920s.jpg
Trams crossing Bowrington Canal (now covered by Canal Road East and Canal Road West) in the 1920s
A tram in Central in 1942 during the Japanese occupation. The text in the background reads "First anniversary of reborn Hong Kong". Jap festival hk.jpg
A tram in Central in 1942 during the Japanese occupation. The text in the background reads "First anniversary of reborn Hong Kong".
New tram driving panels were introduced in 2007 NewPanel.jpg
New tram driving panels were introduced in 2007

In 1881, Hon. F. Bulkeley Johnson, with the support of Ng Choy, proposed a Bill for the construction of a tramway system in Hong Kong. The following year, the Hong Kong Government published the preliminary Tramways Ordinance, which included six tramlines. However, the focus was primarily on the Peak Tram, which was of greater interest to the government and business interests residing on Victoria Peak, leading to the neglect of the tram proposal along Hong Kong Island. [5]

Between 1883 and 1888, the population of Hong Kong increased from 173,475 to 215,800. [6] The government hoped that the tram system would provide quick access to all areas of Victoria and reduce dependence on chair coolies. [7] The Bill underwent several readings and was finally passed on May 23, 1902, as the Tramways Ordinance (No. 10 of 1902).

In 1902, the Hong Kong Tramway Electric Company Limited was founded in London and came under the control of the Electric Traction Company of Hong Kong Limited by the end of the year. Track construction began in stages from Happy Valley, Causeway Bay to Shau Kei Wan in September 1903, and was connected westbound to Arsenal Street by August 1904. Regular tram service commenced on July 30, 1904, with twenty-six single-deck cars delivered in sections and assembled in the depot. These cars included ten combination cars with enclosed saloons and open ends and platforms, and sixteen crossbench cars. Fares for first and third class were ten cents and five cents respectively, with preferential fares for workers on workmen’s cars from 1904 to 1909. [8]

In 1910, the company name was changed to “Hong Kong Tramway Company Limited.” Due to increasing ridership, ten double-deckers were introduced in 1912, featuring an open-top design with destination boxes and reversible seats on the upper deck. By 1913, open-top cars were fitted with canvas roofs for wet weather protection, and the first dividend was paid by HKT for the year 1912. The Happy Valley track was extended by 600 yards. [8]

In 1914, the London Board was disbanded and replaced by a Hong Kong Board with local Directors. In 1922, HKT stopped generating its own electricity and obtained its supply from the Hong Kong Electric Company. The company name was changed to “Hong Kong Tramways Limited” (HKT). Wooden roofs were progressively fitted on tramcars in 1923, and double track construction between Causeway Bay and Shau Kei Wan commenced in 1924. Enclosed double-decker trams with a new green livery were introduced in 1925, along with a waiting room for first-class passengers. [9]

In 1927, sided indicators were fitted on tramcars, and in 1928, HKT commenced operation on island and Kowloon buses. The Shau Kei Wan loop was put into service in 1929. The North Point Depot was under construction in 1932 and completed in 1938. Refuge islands were introduced at some busy tram stops in 1934 to increase passenger safety. Tram fares were reduced in 1936 to compete with buses, and during Coronation week in 1937, a million ridership was carried. Air brakes were fitted on tramcars in 1939. [8]

During the Japanese occupation in 1941, limited service was provided, with one single-decker used for freight transport. Service was suspended in 1944 due to a fuel shortage. After the occupation, only 15 tramcars were operational out of 112. By October 1945, 40 tramcars were back in daytime service only. Tram service gradually resumed, with flat fares of 20 cents for first class and 10 cents for third class. The relaying of double track at Causeway Bay began in 1948, and in 1949, Car 120, the first new design constructed by HKT, entered service. The last single-track was replaced by double-track, and annual ridership exceeded 100 million. [10]

In 1950, HKT rebuilt the entire fleet in collaboration with Taikoo Dockyard. [11] The Russell Street Depot was rebuilt and renamed Sharp Street Depot in 1951. [12] The Causeway Bay loop was closed in 1953, and the new North Point terminus was put into use. The first official route map was printed for passengers in 1954, and the North Point Depot was closed in 1955. New resilient wheels from Sweden were introduced in 1956 to improve riding quality. By 1959, all cars had half-drop windows for the driver. [13]

Tram service was suspended under typhoon Ellen in 1961. The first single-deck prototype trailer was introduced in 1964, and the first tram overturned accident occurred. In 1965, ten additional trailers were ordered from the UK, designed to serve first-class passengers only. Service was limited to North Point due to the gradient at Taikoo Hill. A trolley reverser was installed at Causeway Road for emergency purposes in 1966. The last trailer built by HKT was withdrawn in 1978. [14] [15]

In 1969, a few experimental liveries were tested on tramcars. Female conductors were introduced in 1971. Class distinction was abolished in 1972, and passengers boarded at the rear and paid as they left (PAYL). HKT was acquired by The Wharf (Holdings) in 1974. [16] The first full-body adverts were applied on trams in 1975. Fareboxes were installed at each tram front exit, and rotating turnstiles were fitted at the rear entrance in 1976. Trams were operated in one-man-operation (OMO), and conductors were no longer needed and shifted to become motormen. [8]

Tram no.163, rebuilt from trailer 1, entered service in 1979. Trailers were withdrawn from service in 1982. Route maps were introduced on tram stops in 1983. Car 12 was exported for Expo’ 86 in 1985. Tram refurbishment began in 1986, and the first tour tram No.28 was launched. The second tour tram No.128 was launched in 1987. The Sharp Street Depot was closed in 1989, and new depots were relocated at Whitty Street and Sai Wan Ho. Trial runs on overnight service began in 1990. A new built tram 120 replaced the 1949 prototype in 1991. Two HKT-built double-decker tramcars were exported to the Wirral Tramway in Birkenhead, England, in 1992. Points automation was introduced in place of points men’s cabins. [17]

In 1993, HKT built two maximum traction bogies for testing. Testing of pantographs on trams began in 1994. Double platforms were introduced at the Happy Valley terminus in 1995. The final year of The Most Attractive Tram Ads Competition was in 1997. Coloured destination blinds were introduced in 1998. HKT launched new “Millennium” trams designed and manufactured by its own engineering team on October 24, 2000. The Octopus electronic smart card payment system was introduced on trams in 2001. HKT celebrated 100 years of service in 2004. Route maps were reinstalled at each tram stop, and new tram driving panels were introduced on November 7, 2007. Air conditioning was installed on tour tram 128 in 2008. [18] [8]

In 2009, a 50% stake and operating rights were obtained by Veolia Transport RATP Asia (now RATP Dev Transdev Asia), followed by full ownership in 2010. HKT launched Signature trams on November 28, 2011, featuring a combination of modern interior design and traditional outlook with LED displays, stops reporting, and AC motors. The “NexTram” passenger info system was launched in 2012. HKT proposed a modern light rail system for East Kowloon as a cheaper alternative to monorail in 2013. HKT celebrated 110 years of service in 2014. [19] Following the opening of the West Island line of the MTR, daily tramway ridership dropped 10% to 180,000 in 2015. [1] HKT provided real-time estimated time of arrival data to Citymapper in 2016, becoming the first transport operator in Hong Kong to do so. [20] The first sightseeing car was launched in January, and the first air-conditioned car in June 2016. [21]

In 2017, HKT rebranded with a new logo, new livery, and new map. [22] The fourth party tram was launched in 2018. HKT celebrated 115 years of service with a series of events in 2019, including the introduction of the Bright Ring Tram. Day running lights were introduced on trams in 2020 for better night service, and Ding Ding Cat was employed as the tram ambassador. HKT achieved the Guinness World Record for the “Largest double-decker tram fleet in service” in 2021. [23] A total of 10 fare free days were organized in 2022 with favorable responses, and new fares were applied on July 11. [24] In 2024, HKT celebrated 120 years of service. [25]

Practical information

References

  1. 1 2 Sung, Timmy (4 March 2015). "Tram passengers down 10pc after opening of MTR West Island line". South China Morning Post . Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Hong Kong Tramways and Start-Up Circus Launch the Circus Tram – A Premium Party Tram (創新派對電車) Offering a Unique Ride to Experience Hong Kong Culture and Talents" (PDF). Hong Kong Tramways. 21 September 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  3. DeWolf, Christopher (22 August 2016). "Rebuilding Hong Kong's 20p Time Machine". BBC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  4. "About HK Tramways".
  5. "Hong Kong Trams – linking 1881 and 2014 by way of 30th July 1904 – The Industrial History of Hong Kong Group". industrialhistoryhk.org. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  6. Frederick Stewart, 1889, 'Report on the Blue Book and Departmental Reports for 1888', Colonial Secretary's Office. Retrieved from http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkgro/view/s1889/1230.pdf
  7. "The proposed new tramway to Victoria Gap". The Hong Kong Telegraph . 5 March 1904. p. 4.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Hong Kong Tramways - Our Story". www.hktramways.com. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  9. "110 years of Hong Kong Trams in photos | Gwulo". gwulo.com. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  10. "Hong Kong Industry during World War Two – Transport – The Industrial History of Hong Kong Group". industrialhistoryhk.org. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  11. "Tai Koo Dockyard – 1950s general engineering including Kai Tak hangars, tramcars and wireless masts… – The Industrial History of Hong Kong Group". industrialhistoryhk.org. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  12. "Hong Kong Tram types - entering 120 years | Gwulo". gwulo.com. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  13. "Hong Kong Tramways – Depots timeline – The Industrial History of Hong Kong Group". industrialhistoryhk.org. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  14. "A history of the Hong Kong tram and its 130-year-old story". Localiiz. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  15. "Hong Kong's Iconic Tramways: A Journey through History". HK CITY GUIDE. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  16. "The Wharf (Holdings) Limited (HKG: 0004) Company Profile & Overview". Stock Analysis. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  17. "Supporting Hong Kong's expansion". The International Light Rail Magazine. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  18. Wong, Marcus (7 September 2011). "Operations on the Hong Kong Tramways". Checkerboard Hill. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  19. "Celebrating 110 years" (PDF).
  20. Boris Lee (29 March 2016). "首家交通應用程式獲電車實時資訊 Citymapper:政府應帶頭推動開放數據 (The first transport app receives real-time tram info Citymapper: government should make the lead for opening data)" (in Chinese). unwire. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  21. "Why A Tram Ride Is The Best Way To Explore Hong Kong". Culture Trip. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  22. Yau, Cannix. "Happy happy ding ding? New-look trams offer more smiles per mile". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  23. "Record".
  24. "回歸25周年|7月11日免費坐電車建造商會慶回歸兼賀魯班誕". am730 (in Chinese). 5 July 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  25. "Celebrating 120 years" (PDF).
  26. 1 2 "Hong Kong Tramways - Schedules and Fares". www.hktramways.com. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  27. Bland, Ben (30 June 2016). "Hong Kong trams struggle on journey to modernisation" . Financial Times. London. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022.
  28. (subscription required)Yau, Cannix (24 October 2020). "Tram company eyes new range of 'ding ding' products to keep service afloat". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  29. Guardian readers (29 April 2022). "'The seats aren't comfy but you've got a beer': readers' favourite tram rides". The Guardian . Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  30. http://www.mtr.com.hk/ch/customer/images/promotion/qr_code_ticket/qr_code_ticket_leaflet.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  31. http://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/ch/pdf/2021_bus_leafet.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  32. "Hong Kong Tramways - Service Updates". www.hktramways.com. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  33. "Hong Kong Tramways - Notice to Passengers". www.hktramways.com. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  34. 1 2 3 4 Wong, Hiufu (26 March 2014). "How to Ride Hong Kong's Tram System". CNN. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  35. "Hong Kong Tramways - Schedules and Fares". hktramways.com. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  36. "Hong Kong Tramways - Schedules and Fares". www.hktramways.com. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  37. 1 2 3 "Eastbound Route Map" (PDF). Hong Kong Tramways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  38. 1 2 3 "Westbound Route Map" (PDF). Hong Kong Tramways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  39. "Transport Department - Pedestrians". www.td.gov.hk. Transport Department, Hong Kong. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  40. Yeung, Raymond (2 June 2016). "Hong Kong tram operator offers air-conditioned car". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  41. "香港鐵路網".
  42. "Whitty Street Depot 屈地街電車廠 – Trams of Hong Kong 香港電車". Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  43. 1 2 3 4 Plan to relocate depot keeps tram-fares down, South China Morning Post, 16 July 1986
  44. Fight for Modern Tramway at Kai Tak Hong Kong Facebook Page
  45. Redesigning Hong Kong's iconic trams Railway Gazette International 14 October 2010
  46. "University Museum and Art Gallery – The University of Hong Kong". umag.hku.hk. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  47. Hong Kong News Trolley Wire issue 235 November 1988 page 34
  48. Ellie Ng, 06 April 2017, "Hong Kong tram driver arrested for alleged dangerous driving, as accident leaves 14 injured" at hongkongfp.com Accessed 8 April 2017
  49. Chiu, Peace; Sun, Nikki (8 April 2017). "Hong Kong Tramways suspends slow driver warning programme in wake of Thursday's accident". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2017.

Further reading

Books
Websites
Hong Kong Tramways
Traditional Chinese 香港電車
Simplified Chinese 香港电车
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin Xiānggǎng diànchē
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization Hēung góng dihn chē
Jyutping Hoeng1 gong2 din 6ce1
IPA hœ̂ːŋkɔ̌ːŋ tìːn tsʰɛ́ː

22°17′18″N114°08′16″E / 22.2883°N 114.1377°E / 22.2883; 114.1377