It is not often that you get the chance to ride a piece of transport with a 100-year-old history, but some of the Hong Kong trams have been in operation for even longer than that. However, there is no need to worry about safety, as new models have been introduced with many of the older trams having been re-bodied and upgraded. This 163-strong tram-fleet is the only tramway system in the world that operates exclusively on double-deckers, and is by far the cheapest. In fact it is probably one the cheapest forms of transport in the world costing a fixed fee of $2, regardless of how long you stay on the tram. The trams (and their characteristic ‘ding’) have become synonymous with Hong Kong and, with the original trams imported from the UK, they are another product of Hong Kong’s all-encompassing East meets West equation.
Unlike most transport systems around the world, payment is made upon alighting from the tram at the end of the journey. Customers can also choose to get off at any stop they please, whether they have forgotten their passport 10 seconds prior, or are on for the long-haul to do a bit of sight-seeing. There is no change given so one must either give up the exact fare or use the nifty octopus card. The trams operate a circular route on Hong Kong Island only, which runs for 8 miles from one side of the island to the other. Some special refurbished open-top antiquated trams are also available for private hire, which make for a great party venue.
