Contribution from Strategic Communications Consultants Limited
The 6th generation Peak Tram is pictured conducting a test run ascending Victoria Peak on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
The first Peak Tram commenced service on May 30, 1888 and has undergone various phases of modernisation from coal-fired steam boilers in its earliest days to today’s super-efficient electronic control system.
The 6th generation Peak Tram has been painted in a bespoke “Peak Tram Green”, in a nod to its heritage and earlier 3rd and 4th generation tramcars, which were in service from 1948-1959 and 1959-1989, respectively.
Manufactured in Switzerland by Garaventa, CWA and Frey, the new Peak Tram has increased its capacity by 75% and will carry 210 passengers compared to 120 previously, will have wider doors and step-free access for disabled persons and larger panoramic windows for enhanced views of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. The Peak Tram has been meticulously designed as a modern classic to preserve the heritage of previous generations.
Owned and operated by The HongKong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, the latest generation Peak Tram is part of a multimillion dollar upgrade project which includes fully replaced haulage and control systems, new track rails and strengthened foundations, and significantly refurbished termini with enhanced queuing capacity.
The date of the launch and more details will be announced in due course.
About the Peak Tram and the Peak Tower
The Peak Tram is one of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways. Opened in May 1888, the double reversible funicular railway, as it is technically known, rises from 48m to 396m above sea level along a 1.4 m track with a gradient of between 6 to 26 degrees. As one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions, the Peak Tram terminates at The Peak Tower shopping and entertainment complex, which has some of the world’s greatest panoramic views.
The Peak Tower is one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable icons and is a leading tourist destination. The Peak Tower also offers exciting signature restaurants with stunning views, as well as a number of innovative casual dining outlets. A unique festival-market-style shopping arcade and spectacular special-effects lighting, both inside and out, also serve to make The Peak Tower Hong Kong’s the most compelling leisure destination for residents and tourists alike.
Located at 428 metres above sea level, Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing terrace in Hong Kong offers stunning 360-degree spectacular panoramic views of the vibrant city – from the stunning cityscape to the tranquillity of green landscape, across Victoria Harbour and the South China Sea.
Image credits: Courtesy of Strategic Communications Consultants Limited / Simon Nicol
