Hong Kong Tramways

Hong Kong review #18
This Hong Kong streetcar, trolley car, tram, electric street railway… call it what you will, is cool, historic, inexpensive and a fun way to get around some areas in HK, especially if you’re a tourist. The cost is the same if you go 1 stop or 10 or more, at just HK$ 2.30 (30 cents US). If this isn’t a bargain, I don’t know what is!
In fact, this tram system has been in operation over 100 years and is the only one in the world operating exclusively with double-​decker trams!
You get on the trolley, ride to where ever you’re going and pay as you exit with exact change, or an octopus card.
A word of caution: be protective of your belongings, purse, wallet, etc. Years ago when I was here, my wallet was stolen while on one of these trams! This visit however, I had no problems or issues at all.
OVERALL: A fun, historic and inexpensive way to get around parts of Hong Kong!

Recently read the Hong Kong News today. A non-​sense retired former HK public servant suggested to HK government to take away the tram services at Central district and maybe take away the tram service for future. In his statement, he stated the tramways are moving too slow and created traffic at the Central. I am super upset and contempt with his statement about the Hong Kong Tramways.
As I grew up in HK lsland, the HK trams were always very affordable, reliable, convenience eco-​friendly and safe transportation. It only cost HK $ 2.3 per ride. Everyone can afford a ride. MTR or Buses cost you more! You can travel from Sau Kee Wan to Kennedy Town. From the east to the west. It is the best transportation for short distance, too. For example, from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai, to avoid going up and down with the MTR. It is much easier and much «faster» to catch the Tram than MTR. Their drivers are very nice and well trained. It is seldom to hear any accident. They improved their seats and windows for some trams to make us feel more comfortable, too.
Every time when I am back to Hong Kong, I must ride on the Hong Kong Tramways. I always like to go to the upper level, enjoy the natural wind blows and site seeing the HK island. Also, every time when someone told me they are traveling to Hong Kong, I must recommend a ride from the tram, something that they must do in Hong Kong. Many of the travelers came back to me and said they enjoyed to see the beautiful Central district by the tram. Not only for the tourist for site seeing. I also like to jump on the tram for short distance ride, too! Again, the tram really save my time than MTR. A lot faster” for short distance ride from one point to another.
I support the Hong Kong tramways. They are one of the valuable transportation which also represent the HK island, too. I really hope the government to treasure them. «Old» does not mean «useless», «blocking the traffic» «no value» and need to be taken away! They are a nice gem in this city.

The tram is actually my choice of transportation! But, it’s best if you satisfy one of these criteria
–You are a tourist
–You aren’t in a hurry
–It is after 8pm
I always take out-​of-​towners here. It’s cheap and it has history! I also went to the tram detour exhibit back in 2013 which helped showcased trams (and decked it out). Although I have not attended a tram party, those are best had when the weather is cooler.
I love the tram because there’s always one coming, it doesn’t really run on a schedule like buses, although sometimes it means I have waited over 25 mins for one! But usually it’s pretty fast.
It does get crowded during the day time and gets hot and stuffy in the summer. I usually take it at night or in the winter.
At night though, this tram is speedy! I swear it goes up to 40km/​h! I pass many cars on the way and get from Quarry bay to Wanchai in 25 mins!
What’s great about the tram is the minimal walking. With the MTR, I have to walk up and down and it actually wastes a lot of time, especially if the platform is far from your destination (I’m looking at you Quarry Bay!)
All in all, I take this tram after work all the time. The $ 2.30 price is really great! While they are replacing some of the old trams, it’s inevitable. I don’t really mind it.
***
Tip: Grab upstairs front if you’re a tourist and for a nice breeze! Pay when you get out. Becareful and make sure you don’t take the Happy Valley ones if you’re heading to Central! You should stand up and head to the front if you’re about to get off at night, they do skip stops if they don’t think anyone is getting off!
Favourites: Night times are the best ride! $ 2.30 fare. Environmentally friendly too!
Meh: Slow during rush hour. Do not take this to work!
Last words: Great functional and historical part of Hong Kong!

I live in Hong Kong Island growing up so I have been taking Hong Kong trams for as long as I could remember.
I love sitting on the upper level and watch the scenery. One good thing about taking the tram is even if you miss a station, it is no big deal as they are all so close together!
Every time when I am back in Hong Kong, I always try to do a little tram tour of the Island. Riding from one end to the other just so much fun and so much to see! Though it might be slow and you got stuck in traffic often during rush hour, but great if you are not in a rush.
$ 2.30 for a ride?! Now I know why my mother still prefers taking the tram over MTR!

Hong Kong Tramways are a great way to travel the North side of the Island. There are plenty, so you never have to wait more than 5 minutes to get on one and it’s really easy to get around with them. They basically just cover the upper side of HK Island. Oh, and it’s so cheap…2.30HKD the ride, regardless of destination. Just note that it’ll definitely take longer to get to your destination, as they are a little slow, something that adds to the charm. I’ve only been to a few cities where the tram still runs and it’s something I love — it not only adds convenience to travelers who can choose among various means of transport, but it makes for a nice stamp of the city. I usually take the tram to go to work, around Wan Chai station and to Admiralty station. It’s less busy than the subway at peak times. However, when it is busy it can get stuffy inside. There is no air con and every time it stops (and hence the breeze stops) it gets really warm. Best thing is to stay upstairs, at the front: you’ll get the best views and better ventilation.
It’s also such a cool thing that they preserve the old control board of the tram, at the back end of it. Some of the trams have been renewed, and that’s especially noticeable inside. Outside most of them look similar, not taking into account the advertising they usually carry, some of which is really original and add even more color to Hong Kong streets.

Hong Kong trams is top pick for public transportation if you’re not in a hurry.
Why? Because sitting on the second floor, you see everything. You see the people, the streets, the views of buildings, etc. Did you know sitting on the top floor of a tram, you’re higher up than on a double decker bus? Who wouldn’t known? Well, now you know. Oh, did I mention, it only costs you $ 2.30 for a ride? What a steal!
Of course in the summer, it gets a little warm and some people tend to forget their deodorant, but in the evenings, when the trams aren’t packed with people, it’s so pleasant to take a ride and sit through town. If you’re sitting on the top floor, have the windows opened, you’ll get a nice breeze. Just remember to shut them when it’s pouring down, cuz baby, you will get drenched.
I love people watching, and what better place to do it than on a tram. Just the other day, I was on a tram getting to my next destination, a lady came on with earbuds in her ear. Within seconds, she started humming, then started singing. I’m not kidding. Full. on. singing. She was singing some chinese song. She just ignored everyone’s spiteful looks and continued on belching her song. No joke. She stopped abruptly to take a call … AND THEN continued. I really wanted to take a video, or the least a photo, but it was a little too obvious so I gave up that thought. And no, she wasn’t old. I think she was probably in her late 30s.
See what I mean? Trams are the best place to people watch, you see people from all walks of life… doing all sorts of strange things. That’s what makes Hong Kong beautiful, don’t you think?