Hong Kong Trams - Ding Dings. including a ride through the busy streets.

Описание: Hong Kong Trams.... including a ride through the busy streets. Really fast efficient cheap and fun !! known by the locals as "ding Dings"

Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) is a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow-gauge tram system in Hong Kong. Owned and operated by RATP Dev Transdev Asia, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.

Hong Kong's tram system is one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis, having opened in 1904 under British rule. It has used electric trams since its inauguration, and has never used horse or steam power. It owns the world's largest operational double-decker tram fleet, and is a very rare example of a tram system that uses them exclusively. In addition to being used by commuters, the system is popular with tourists, and is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in the city.

1881: Tramway system proposed for Hong Kong.
1883–1888: There was an increase in the population between 1883 and 1888, from 173,475 to 215,800. The government hoped the tram system would give quick access to all areas of Victoria and reduce dependence on the chair coolies.
1901: The government started to revise its tramway policy. Tramway system proposal accepted by the government.
1902: Hong Kong Tramway Electric Company Limited founded in London.[8] Name changed to Electric Traction Company of Hong Kong Limited.
1903: Construction of a single-track system began from Kennedy Town to Causeway Bay; it was later extended to Shau Kei Wan.
1904: Bodies of first fleet of 26 UK-built tramcars shipped in pieces to Hung Hom to be assembled.
1910: Company name changed to The Hong Kong Tramway Company Limited.
1922: Electricity contracted and supplied by Hong Kong Electric Company. Company name changed to Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT).
1925: Enclosed double-decker trams replaced open-balcony trams.
1932: North Point Depot came into service.
1934: Refuge islands began to be introduced at some busy tram stops to increase passenger safety.
1941: Japanese occupation begins. Very limited service was provided; only 12 tramcars were in operation daily from Causeway Bay to Sheung Wan.
1945: After three years and eight months of Japanese occupation, all 109 tramcars remained, but only 15 were operational. By October 1945, 40 tramcars were back in service.
1949: Single-track system replaced by double-track system in August.
1950: HKT undertook an extensive redesign and started building its own trams. Tram bodies adopted a "modern" design.
1954: North Point Depot closed and Russell Street Depot expanded and renamed Sharp Street East Depot.
1964: Three locally made trams added, including the first single-deck trailer.
1965: 10 single-deck trailers introduced. Trailers were attached to the backs of tramcars and designed to serve first class passengers only. Seating capacity was 36 passengers.
1966: 22 single-deck trailers deployed during 1966–67. Trailers were withdrawn from service by 1982 due to frequent derailments and being uneconomical to run; they each required a separate conductor.
1967: Last trailer built by HKT.
1972: Class distinction abolished and flat fare introduced.
1974: HKT acquired by The Wharf (Holdings)
1976: Coin fareboxes installed at each tram front exit, and rotating turnstiles fitted at each tram rear entrance. Conductors were no longer needed and most of them retrained to become motormen.
1986: Tram refurbishment began.
1989: Sharp Street East Depot closed and depot functions split between Whitty Street Depot and Sai Wan Ho Depot.

2000: Coloured destination blinds began. HKT launches new "Millennium" trams designed and manufactured by its own engineering team on 24 October.
2001: Octopus electronic smart card payment system introduced on trams.
2004: HKT celebrates 100 years of service.
2007: Route maps reinstalled at each tram stop. New tram driving panels introduced on 7 November.
2008: Air conditioning installed on antique-style tramcar No. 128.
2009: 50% stake and operating rights obtained by Veolia Transport RATP Asia (now RATP Dev Transdev Asia), followed by full ownership in 2010.
2011: HKT launches seventh-generation trams on 28 November 2011. It has a combination of a modern interior design and a traditional tram body exterior.
2014: HKT celebrates 110 years of service.
2015: Following the opening of the West Island Line of the MTR, daily tramway ridership drops 10% to 180,000.
2016: HKT gives real-time estimated time of arrival data to Citymapper, becoming the first transport operator in Hong Kong to do so.
2017: Rebrand with new logo, new livery, and new map.