Peak Tram to reopen with fares up 60 percent
The Peak Tram is reopening on Saturday after a major facelift that will see bigger tram cars, and the upper and lower terminuses refurbished. Fares will also go up by more than 60 percent. A round trip for an adult will now cost HK$88 – HK$36 up from last year. A concessionary round-trip ticket, meanwhile, will cost HK$44. May Tsang, the general manager of the Peak Complex, said they have upgraded all systems of the railway, and replaced the previous burgundy-red tram cars with green ones – a nod to earlier generations of tram cars. The new, sixth-generation tram cars will feature wider windows and skylights and will be able to carry up to 210 passengers, 75 percent more than the previous model.  Tsang noted that the cost of the 14-month refurbishment project had ballooned from the original estimate of HK$680 million to almost HK$800 million. Asked about the fare hike, she said the company needs to take into account the increasing operating costs and the sustainability of the business.  "It's really difficult to project what the numbers are going to be when we [re-]open, again it will very much depend on the border reopening schedule," Tsang said. "During the launch we are offering very attractive promotional prices and activities etc. I'm sure when Hong Kong people come in and witness the works that we have done, they will feel that it's value for money." The Central Terminus, which now has a waiting area that can accommodate 1,300 visitors, will also feature tram exhibits and video screens on the wall.