Website: Hong Kong Tramways
During my recent trip to Hong Kong, we decided to hop onto the double decker trams to get around and see the city in a leisurely way.
Ding Ding, the tram slowly approaches the station. The tram is affectionately known as "Ding Ding" by the locals. When approaching a station, the double bell on the tram rings, Ding Ding, hence the name. The purpose of the bell is to warn traffic and pedestrians of its approach.
Ding Ding trams have been traversing the busy streets of Hong Kong since 1904 and is the earliest and oldest form of transportation in the metropolis. The Hong Kong Tramways own and operate a fleet of 163 double decker tramcars, making it the world's largest fleet of double decker trams still in service. It is the only tram system that runs exclusively on double decker trams.
The Ding Ding trams run between the east and west along the northern coast of Hong Kong island. With a total of 120 stops, the trams provide transportation services on 6 routes over 30 km of tramways, operating from 6 am till midnight everyday. The tramways stretch from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, with a branch circulating the Happy Valley racecourse. There are route maps at every station.
Each tram will display their final destination on the front of the tram, so you do not have to worry about taking the wrong one. The trams will stop at every stations and run at least twice every hour. Stations are located at an average of 250 m and it is easy for anyone to locate the trams without getting lost.
The Ding Ding tram is boarded on the left side through the back door and the fares are paid only when you exit via the front door. Climbing the steps onto the tram, we had to struggled to pass through a very narrow turnstile that prevent passengers from exiting the tram without paying.
Inside the tram, we walked through a very narrow corridor with rows of two wooden seats on either sides. We climbed up the narrow spiral staircase to the upper level, heading towards the window seats on the right side. The seats on the upper deck offer the best view and photo opportunities. I would highly recommend anyone to get a seat upstairs to enjoy the best experience.
Since we boarded from the terminus, we had the best chance of getting a seat at the upper deck. The tram was quite empty when it arrived at the Western Market Terminus station.
Although standing is allowed in the trams, it is likely that you would not have chance to take photos and enjoy the sights along the track. I would advise anyone to avoid the peak hours during weekdays for the best experience.
Ding Ding Trams are cheapest mode of transportation on the island. The fare is HKD 2.30 for adult, HKD 1.20 for children under 12, and HKD 1.10 for senior citizens aged 65 and above. Tram fare are the same flat rate regardless of the distance traveled and can be paid either in cash or by the Octopus card.
For those who are paying in cash, there is a coin box located by the exit next to the driver. Please note that exact amount of coins have to be given when you exit from the tram. For budget traveler, the Ding Ding tram is certainly the most cheapest way to get around the island. The trams are very affordable, reliable and convenient. You do not have to walk a long way to MTR station to take the trains if you are not in a hurry.
Along the way, we passed by several MTR stations. The tram track is built parallel to the MTR with the central MTR line going through an identical route as the tram. Do not take the tram if you are in a hurry. You might want to take the MTR instead if you are short of time. You are able to reach your destination in just a few minutes with the MTR.
Riding on a Ding Ding tram is an unique experience.The tram is not only a form of transportation in the city, but also an iconic symbol of Hong Kong.For over a century, Ding Ding trams have been part of Hong Kong culture and locals' daily life. A ride on the tram will give you a glimpse of Hong Kong everyday street life - a sight which you would not able to see if you are riding on the MTR.
The tram ride was however, a little bumpy and noisy due to traffic congestion. I believe it might be worst during the peak hours.
We spend our time looking out of the open windows, observing the the life of the locals. As the tram move, I could feel the gentle wind brushing across my face. Although the windows are wide open, the wind was actually not cooling enough. This is probably not going to be a pleasurable ride during hot weather days.
We pass through bustling residential area and main city center where you will find the financial core of Hong Kong.
The main road are full of organized traffic, and are lined with skyscrapers, shopping malls, trendy restaurants and traditional eateries.
The buildings in Hong Kong are so old and dilapidated that seems to be on the verge of collapsing. However, the high density of the population makes rebuilding nearly impossible. Some people think that this is the true beauty of Hong Kong and what makes the city entirely different from Singapore.
A trip to Hong Kong is never complete without a ride on the Ding Ding Tram.Passengers are free to hop on at any tram station and jump off anywhere along the route as you like.
However, the tram ride can get pretty boring after a while. It actually took longer than we expected. Halfway through the journey, my eyelids were slowly drooping. I was falling asleep. To prevent myself from sleep, I took out my camera and started to snap lots of photos of the same old buildings, streets, shops and people along the way. I tried to enjoy the ride but it was difficult. Everywhere I look, it was the same old buildings, streets and shops.
Even so, it is still a great way to see Hong Kong. You will notice things you will never notice when you are on the ground. I would recommend anyone to take a ride on the Ding Ding Trams if you have spare time in Hong Kong.
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