Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) is a narrow-gauge tram system in Hong Kong. Owned and operated by RATP Dev Asia, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.
Hong Kong's tram system is one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis, having opened in 1904 under British rule. It has used electric trams since its inauguration, and has never used horse or steam power. It owns the world's largest operational double-decker tram fleet, and is a very rare example of a tram system that uses them exclusively. In addition to being used by commuters, the system is popular with tourists, and is one of the most environmentally friendly and cheapest ways of travelling in the city.
History
In 1881, Hon. F. Bulkeley Johnson, with the support of Ng Choy, proposed a Bill for the construction of a tramway system in Hong Kong. The following year, the Hong Kong Government published the preliminary Tramways Ordinance, which included six tramlines. However, the focus was primarily on the Peak Tram, which was of greater interest to the government and business interests residing on Victoria Peak, leading to the neglect of the tram proposal along Hong Kong Island.
Between 1883 and 1888, the population of Hong Kong increased from 173,475 to 215,800.Frederick Stewart, 1889, 'Report on the Blue Book and Departmental Reports for 1888', Colonial Secretary's Office. Retrieved from http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkgro/view/s1889/1230.pdf The government hoped that the tram system would provide quick access to all areas of Victoria and reduce dependence on chair coolies. The bill underwent several readings and was finally passed on 23 May 1902, as the Tramways Ordinance (No. 10 of 1902).
In 1902, the Hong Kong Tramway Electric Company Limited was founded in London and came under the control of the Electric Traction Company of Hong Kong Limited by the end of the year. Track construction began in stages from Happy Valley, Causeway Bay to Shau Kei Wan in September 1903, and was connected westbound to Arsenal Street by August 1904. Regular tram service commenced on 30 July 1904, with twenty-six single-deck cars delivered in sections and assembled in the depot. These cars included ten combination cars with enclosed saloons and open ends and platforms, and sixteen crossbench cars. Fares for first and third class were ten cents and five cents respectively, with preferential fares for workers on workmen's cars from 1904 to 1909.
In 1910, the company name was changed to "Hong Kong Tramway Company Limited." Due to increasing ridership, ten double-deckers were introduced in 1912, featuring an open-top design with destination boxes and reversible seats on the upper deck. By 1913, open-top cars were fitted with canvas roofs for wet weather protection, and the first dividend was paid by HKT for the year 1912. The Happy Valley track was extended by 600 yards.
In 1914, the London Board was disbanded and replaced by a Hong Kong Board with local Directors. In 1922, HKT stopped generating its own electricity and obtained its supply from the Hong Kong Electric Company. The company name was changed to “Hong Kong Tramways Limited” (HKT). Wooden roofs were progressively fitted on tramcars in 1923, and double track construction between Causeway Bay and Shau Kei Wan commenced in 1924. Enclosed double-decker trams with a new green livery were introduced in 1925, along with a waiting room for first-class passengers.
In 1927, sided indicators were fitted on tramcars, and in 1928, HKT commenced operation on island and Kowloon buses. The Shau Kei Wan loop was put into service in 1929. The North Point Depot was under construction in 1932 and completed in 1938. Refuge islands were introduced at some busy tram stops in 1934 to increase passenger safety. Tram fares were reduced in 1936 to compete with buses, and during Coronation week in 1937, a million ridership was carried. Air brakes were fitted on tramcars in 1939.
During the Japanese occupation in 1941, limited service was provided, with one single-decker used for freight transport. Service was suspended in 1944 due to a fuel shortage. After the occupation, only 15 tramcars were operational out of 112. By October 1945, 40 tramcars were back in daytime service only. Tram service gradually resumed, with flat fares of 20 cents for first class and 10 cents for third class. The relaying of double track at Causeway Bay began in 1948, and in 1949, Car 120, the first new design constructed by HKT, entered service. The last single-track was replaced by double-track, and annual ridership exceeded 100 million.
In 1950, HKT rebuilt the entire fleet in collaboration with Taikoo Dockyard. The Russell Street Depot was rebuilt and renamed Sharp Street Depot in 1951. The Causeway Bay loop was closed in 1953, and the new North Point terminus was put into use. The first official route map was printed for passengers in 1954, and the North Point Depot was closed in 1955. New resilient wheels from Sweden were introduced in 1956 to improve riding quality. By 1959, all cars had half-drop windows for the driver.
Tram service was suspended under typhoon Ellen in 1961. The first single-deck prototype trailer was introduced in 1964, and the first tram overturned accident occurred. In 1965, ten additional trailers were ordered from the UK, designed to serve first-class passengers only. Service was limited to North Point due to the gradient at Taikoo Hill. A trolley reverser was installed at Causeway Road for emergency purposes in 1966. The last trailer built by HKT was withdrawn in 1978.
In 1969, a few experimental liveries were tested on tramcars. Female conductors were introduced in 1971. Class distinction was abolished in 1972, and passengers boarded at the rear and paid as they left (PAYL). HKT was acquired by The Wharf (Holdings) in 1974. The first full-body adverts were applied on trams in 1975. Fareboxes were installed at each tram front exit, and rotating turnstiles were fitted at the rear entrance in 1976. Trams were operated in one-man-operation (OMO), and conductors were no longer needed and shifted to become motormen.
Tram no.163, rebuilt from trailer 1, entered service in 1979. Trailers were withdrawn from service in 1982. Route maps were introduced on tram stops in 1983. Car 12 was exported for Expo' 86 in 1985. Tram refurbishment began in 1986, and the first tour tram No.28 was launched. The second tour tram No.128 was launched in 1987. The Sharp Street Depot was closed in 1989, and new depots were relocated at Whitty Street and Sai Wan Ho. Trial runs on overnight service began in 1990. A new built tram 120 replaced the 1949 prototype in 1991. Two HKT-built double-decker tramcars were exported to the Wirral Tramway in Birkenhead, England, in 1992. Points automation was introduced in place of points men's cabins.
In 1993, HKT built two maximum traction bogies for testing. Testing of pantographs on trams began in 1994. Double platforms were introduced at the Happy Valley terminus in 1995. The final year of The Most Attractive Tram Ads Competition was in 1997. Coloured destination blinds were introduced in 1998. HKT launched new "Millennium" trams designed and manufactured by its own engineering team on 24 October 2000. The Octopus electronic smart card payment system was introduced on trams in 2001. HKT celebrated 100 years of service in 2004. Route maps were reinstalled at each tram stop, and new tram driving panels were introduced on 7 November 2007. Air conditioning was installed on tour tram 128 in 2008.
In 2009, a 50% stake and operating rights were obtained by Veolia Transport RATP Asia, followed by full ownership in 2010. HKT launched Signature trams on November 28, 2011, featuring a combination of modern interior design and traditional outlook with LED displays, stops reporting, and AC motors. The NexTram passenger info system was launched in 2012. HKT proposed a modern light rail system for East Kowloon as a cheaper alternative to monorail in 2013. HKT celebrated 110 years of service in 2014. Following the opening of the West Island line of the MTR, daily tramway ridership dropped 10% to 180,000 in 2015. HKT provided real-time estimated time of arrival data to Citymapper in 2016, becoming the first transport operator in Hong Kong to do so. The first sightseeing car was launched in January, and the first air-conditioned car in June 2016.
In 2017, HKT rebranded with a new logo, new livery, and new map. The fourth party tram was launched in 2018. HKT celebrated 115 years of service with a series of events in 2019, including the introduction of the Bright Ring Tram. Day running lights were introduced on trams in 2020 for better night service, and Ding Ding Cat was employed as the tram ambassador. HKT achieved the Guinness World Record for the "Largest double-decker tram fleet in service" in 2021. A total of 10 fare free days were organized in 2022 with favorable responses, and new fares were applied on 11 July. In 2024, HKT celebrated 120 years of service.
Practical information
Fare – adult fare $3.30 (aged 12 or above), child fare $1.60 (aged 3 to 11 inclusive), senior citizen fare $1.50 (aged 65 or above) Operating hours – 5:30 am to 12:30 am Total length – (Track length )
On average, the headway between each tram departure is approximately 1.5 minutes during peak hours. The maximum capacity of each tram is 115 people. Previously, the average tram speed was around . Since early 2008, the speed of the trams was increased. The tram's general speed is currently around . Most of the trams have a maximum speed of more than , while some have a maximum speed of . Hong Kong people informally call the tramway the "Ding Ding" and the trams as "Ding Dings", in reference to the double-bell ring used by the trams to warn pedestrians of their approach. Relative to buses and the subway system, trams are often the cheapest public transportation option.
Fares As of 12 May 2025, HKT fares are $3.30 for adults, $1.60 for children, and $1.50 for elderly. Children under the age of 3 may travel for free. Unlike most forms of public transport in Hong Kong, HKT implements flat fare, which means the fare remains constant regardless of the distance travelled. There is also an option for monthly tickets, which cost $260 and are sold at the Shek Tong Tsui, Causeway Bay, and North Point termini at the end of each month.
Passengers pay upon alighting by either depositing the exact fare in coins into the farebox, using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay or American Express), mobile wallet e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, or using an Octopus card. Turnstiles at the tram entrances and closed-circuit television are installed to prevent fare evasion by passengers.
Tourist services
Sightseeing tours are available on antique-style tramcar No. 68, which has an open balcony and a historical exhibit on board. Sightseeing tram boarding and alighting take place at the sightseeing tour termini: Western Market and Causeway Bay.
Standard tramcars and antique-style, open-balcony tramcars No. 18, No. 28, No. 68, and No. 128 are available for private charter. Charter tram boarding and alighting take place at Whitty Street Depot, except for premium charter tramcar No. 18; its boarding and alighting takes place at Western Market Terminus.
Routes and stops
The trams run on a double-track tram line built parallel to the northern coastline of Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, with a single clockwise-running track of about around the Happy Valley Racecourse.
There are seven overlapping routes: Kennedy Town ↔ Happy Valley Kennedy Town ↔ Shau Kei Wan Shek Tong Tsui ↔ Causeway Bay Shek Tong Tsui ↔ North Point Whitty Street Depot ↔ North Point Western Market ↔ Shau Kei Wan Happy Valley ↔ Shau Kei Wan