【鉄道PV】Farewell to 5th generation Peak Tram
The Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Running from Garden Road Admiralty to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong. Operated since 1888, it was the first funicular railway in Asia.
The Peak Tram is owned and operated by Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH), the owner of Hong Kong's Peninsula Hotel along with other properties. The line, along with HSH's Peak Tower leisure complex at the line's summit, is promoted using the brand The Peak.
In view of the continuous increase in the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong, the passenger capacity of the Peak Tram has increased by more than one digit percentage every year, especially on Sundays and public holidays. It takes at least two hours to board the Peak Tram. The situation is extremely unsatisfactory since its passenger demand far exceeds its capacity. By 2012, the average daily passenger capacity reached 12,000, which around 90% became tourists. At that period, Peak Tramways Company Limited hired a consultant to study to improve the Peak Tram terminal and facilities to increase the available space, also considering re-laying tracks to renovate the cable car cabins to increase the passenger capacity.
At the end of 2015, Peak Tramways Company Limited's right to operate the Peak Tram will expire. In the same year, it stated that it planned to spend about HK$684 million to launch a development plan to upgrade the Peak Tram system and improve existing facilities. It will be implemented in phases and is expected to be completed in the next 4 to 5 years. The development plan includes:
-Purchasing new trams(6th generation) to increase the passenger capacity of the Peak Tram from 120 to 210 passengers per trip, which will greatly reduce the current waiting time for passengers by approximately 75-91%
-Extend the Garden Road tram station and build the platform about 70 meters uphill, after arriving at the "Red Brick House" in the WWF Central Visitor Center, providing a covered, temperature-controlled and comfortable waiting area for queuing, as well as providing a moderate amount Entertainment (such as historical exhibits on the Peak Tram) for approximately 1,300 waiting passengers
-Refurbishment of the upper platform of the Peak Tram Station, including widening the boarding platform; increasing the number of gates and ticket counters, and setting up a larger waiting area in front of the ticket office
-More effective crowd monitoring to ensure the safety of tourists, employees and pedestrians
-Further enhance the image of the Peak Tram and maintain the status of the tram as an important tourism and leisure facility
The project is expected to be completed in 2021, during which the construction will be divided into two phases.
The first phase: Starting from April 23, 2019, the Peak Tram will be suspended for 2 to 3 months. The maintenance plan includes the extension of the Peak Terminus and Garden Road Terminus, which completed on July 22 of the same year.
After the completion of the first phase of the project, the Peak Tram service will resume for about 12 to 15 months. During this period, due to the expansion and renovation of the Garden Road Terminus, passengers must use the temporary platform and queue outside the station.
The Second phase: Beginning on June 28, 2021, new tram carriage will be added, with a longer body than before, and the passenger capacity will increase from 120 to 210. At the same time, it will include replacement of new power and towing systems, control and signal systems, replacement of cables, laying of new rails, etc., and completion of the renovation of the Peak Terminus and the expansion of the Garden Road Terminus to cater for the new and larger tram carriage. The duration is expected for about 6 months.
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