Singapore has always been compared to Hong Kong when it comes to economic success and while that's debatable; i personally feel that Hong Kong's focus on preserving heritage and ensuring their affordability is way better then the little red dot.
I have touched on Star Ferry before in a previous posting and today, another heritage icon shall be mentioned; the Hong Kong Tramways which is also known affectionately as Ding Ding!
Running in the middle of the busy road cutting across the northern part of Hong Kong Island, it's a strange sight for those new to the vehicles. They look just like toy buses that are disproportionately-sized; too tall and too narrow.
Since its inception in 1904, the tramway has relied on electricity to power the double-decker trams! It now commands the largest double decker tram fleet in the whole world consisting of 165 trams that carry an average of 200,000 passengers a day!
Boarding the tram; payment is only required upon alighting. Anyway, as you can see; the interior was basic. featuring no-air-conditioning and basic wooden long benches.
Upper deck has more seats and of course, provides a better view just like any double decker buses in Singapore; pretty basic furnishing too although this time, there are plastic seats for individuals. A upgrade plan was supposed to be in place since 2011 but maybe the one i was on isn't the upgraded version?
Would love to sit in front and take a few time-lapsed videos; pity they were already taken up! On the trams, you can clearly identify the tourists from the locals as the latter behaves exactly like well-seasoned commuters who don't understand why the overseas visitors were so excited with the trams they have been taking almost every day.
Checking out the views on the upper deck! I actually took the tram back in 1997 and it was a comfortable ride as it was during winter when the temperature was way cooler at about 10-15 degree celcius.
An interesting building that houses the Chinese Methodist Church! I thought it's just a unique commercial skyscraper and totally didn't expect it to be a functioning church.
The almost lonesome tram ahead of us; there are a total of six routes with about 120 stops and arrival between trams is less than 2 minutes during peak hours! Pretty impressive.
Despite its compact size, each double decker tram has a capacity for 115 passengers! Compared this to Singapore's typical double decker bus which can seat about 130 passengers.
Operating on a double track system, the tramway runs in opposing directions and from the above photo; i wondered if the gap would be too tight when two trams pass each other.
Taking into consideration safety, i didn't attempt to stretch out my arm. I did note that while the gap was narrow and i could literally have a high-five with passengers from the tram running in the opposite direction; it looked quite safe unless you have some crazy, adventurous pricks who decided to stick their heads out of the windows.
Tai Yuen Street at Wan Chai which is also known as toy street! Maybe the next time i visit Hong Kong, i should consider checking out the less touristy markets!
Why don't we see such trucks in Singapore?
Time to disembark by navigating the rather steep staircase; do hold on to the handrail by the side and for the older generation, do walk slowly as falling down can result in more serious injuries!
Payment via the super convenient octopus card; for a typical adult, it's a FLAT rate of only HK $2.60 (less than S$0.50). You don't get that pricing for public transport in Singapore nowadays unless you factor in the discount to encourage commuters to travel before the morning peak!
=====
Website
For the summary of my seven days' itinerary to Hong Kong (with a day trip to Shenzhen), please click here.
