Sleek tram fleet plan | South China Morning Post

CENTURY-OLD trams could be replaced by a sleek, modern fleet similar to the Light Rail Transit system's.

Hongkong Tramways is considering conducting a feasibility study on the new vehicles as legislators say the $24 million rewiring work now under way on its 160-strong fleet is not enough to improve safety.

The work includes the installation of 'dead man's handles' which automatically engage the brakes if a driver leaves the controls. They were recommended after a motorman was killed leaping from his blazing tram in 1996. The burning vehicle continued rolling with passengers on board.

Provisional legislature transport panel member Law Cheung-kwok said the rewiring work was not enough to upgrade the fleet, which has suffered a spate of fires.

'This current work is just providing a minor face-lift so I think they should have a serious look at these new vehicles which may be much like the LRT,' he said.

Assistant Transport Commissioner (Urban) Ching Kam-cheung said owing to their historic attraction to tourists, a compromise was needed to keep the trams' antique looks while improving safety and comfort levels.

Another panel member, Dr Raymond Ho Chung-tai, agreed but said commuters should be given priority over tourists.

'The tram system is a vital east-west Hong Kong Island transport link which is heavily utilised and must progress,' he said. 'Some of the older trams can be kept for tourists, but commuters cannot use the same system forever.' Tramways general manager Frankie Yick Chi-ming said rewiring work and the installation of handles would be completed in about two years, during which time he hoped to carry out the study.

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