An ideal solution to overcome the traffic problem is the tram. The tram system has been in operation in Hong Kong since 1904. Operated by the Hong Kong Tramway Limited it is one of the oldest tram car operations in the world.

The tram line runs along a 13 km stretch and is laid out across the Northern part of the island. The double line track operates through mainly 6 routes and during rush hours trams can be expected almost every 2 minutes. 240’000 residents commute daily on these trams.

Consisting of a lower deck that is on level with the other vehicles on the road and an upper deck that is better suited as an observation deck, the tram is an effective, enjoyable and also extremely cost efficient mode of transportation. The lines run from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, whilst a supplementary circular route runs around the Happy Valley. The tram ride takes you past many attractions which include the many sky scrapers, Edinburgh Place, the Central Library and Times Square Shopping Mall. The final stop at Shau Kei Wan brings travellers to the temple area. Given the uniform rate paid, no matter how far you travel, travellers can opt to hop on and off at will. Whilst a fare for adults is HK$2, senior citizens above 65 and children under 12 have to pay only HK$1.

A tram can carry only 115 people maximum. Although speeds used to be relatively slow, modern trams can reach speeds of 50 and sometimes 60km/h. A tram ride provides an ideal opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery and observe the daily lives of the residents of Hong Kong. Of course avoiding rush hours will make this activity more pleasant.