First Look: Here’s What to Expect of Hong Kong’s New Peak Tram

The Peak Tram, Hong Kong’ most historic public transport, will return with a new look and features this summer after undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade

Miss the Peak Tram that saves you the legwork from a hike? Fret not, after almost a whole year of waiting, the Peak Tram, which was retired for renovation on June 28 last year, will be back on its track this summer.

While the date of the launch is still yet to be announced, the new Peak Tram was seen conducting a trial run on March 5. This sixth-generation tram is painted in dark green, which is a nod to the third and fourth generation tramcars that were in service from 1948 to 1959 and 1959 to 1989 respectively. The new tram is installed with larger windows for a bigger view of Hong Kong’s skyline.

Above The new Peak Tram (Photo: Simon Nicol)

Aesthetics aside, while the previous version could only carry 120 passengers, the new carriage can carry 210 passengers and will have wider doors and step-free access. The multimillion-dollar project also comes with fully replaced haulage and control systems, new track rails and strengthened foundations. The queuing capacity has also been enhanced in the newly refurbished termini.

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Above The new Peak Tram (Photo: Simon Nicol)

The Peak Tram is currently owned and operated by The HongKong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. Original, the tram was the brainchild of Scottish hotel owner Alexander Findlay Smith, who owned the Peak Hotel, as a more efficient transport alternative to sedan chairs. The tram opened in May 1888 as Asia’s first cable funicular to mainly carry residents at the Peak and travellers between Murray Barracks and Victoria Gap. Today, the Peak Tram rises from 48 to almost 400 metres above sea level, and takes tourists and locals all the way from the city centre in Admiralty to the Peak Tower, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in town.

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First Look: Here’s What to Expect of Hong Kong’s New Peak Tram