Hong Kong’s famous Peak Tram closed for renovation
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers up to Victoria Peak for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s many skyscrapers.
Enthusiasts and others recently rushed for one last ride before the Peak Tram closed for refurbishment. The streetcar officially stopped service on Monday for a six-month makeover, in part to cut wait times for growing crowds.
Cedric Yu, who said he had not taken the tram in years, called it a collective memory for Hong Kong people and part of the city’s history.
“Taking the Peak Tram earlier reminds me of my childhood memories,†he added.
The Peak Tram began operations in 1888, when Hong Kong was a British colony, to transport people to Victoria Peak instead of using sedan chairs. The original cars were made of varnished wood and could accommodate 30 passengers in three classes.
Since then, the tram has undergone several transformations. The current fifth generation Peak Tram, with a burgundy exterior and varnished wood interiors, began operating in 1989 and carries 120 passengers.
“The Peak Tram (…) has evolved from an essential mode of transportation to a very popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong,†said May Tsang, Managing Director of Hong Kong Peak Tramways.
The company is investing more than $ 90 million to modernize the system, the streetcars and renovate the terminus, she said.
Longer trams will increase the capacity from 120 passengers to 210.
For Alan Cheung, former president of the Hong Kong Collectors Society and Peak Tram enthusiast, the makeover is welcome.
“Anything that can survive over 100 years is not easy,†he said. “They must keep this treasure.”
A Peak Tram passes upstream from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong on June 16, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a bird’s-eye view of the many city ​​skyscrapers. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
Passengers take photos of a Peak Tram on a tram trip in Hong Kong on June 17, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a bird’s eye view of the many skyscrapers. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
Passengers board a Peak Tram in Hong Kong on June 17, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a bird’s-eye view of the many skyscrapers in the city. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
Passengers pose next to a Peak Tram on June 16, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a bird’s-eye view of the many skyscrapers. city ​​sky. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
A Peak Tram passes a climb of Victoria Peak against the backdrop of Hong Kong on June 17, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a view plunging over the many skyscrapers in the city. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
A Peak Tram passes upstream from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong on June 17, 2021. The Hong Kong Peak Tram is a staple in the memory of many residents and tourists, carrying passengers to Victoria Peak for a bird’s-eye view of the many city ​​skyscrapers. (AP Photo / Vincent Yu)
In this undated photo provided by Hong Kong Peak Tramways, a 3rd generation Peak Tram that served from 1948 to 1959 is seen in Hong Kong. The Peak Tram began operations in 1888, when Hong Kong was a British colony, to transport people to Victoria Peak instead of using sedan chairs. The original cars were made of varnished wood and could accommodate 30 passengers in three classes. (Hong Kong Peak Tramways via AP)
In this undated photo provided by Hong Kong Peak Tramways, a 2nd generation Peak Tram that served from 1926 to 1948 is seen in Hong Kong. The Peak Tram began operations in 1888, when Hong Kong was a British colony, to transport people to Victoria Peak instead of using sedan chairs. The original cars were made of varnished wood and could accommodate 30 passengers in three classes. (Hong Kong Peak Tramways via AP)