PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 19 August, 2015, 11:48am
UPDATED : Wednesday, 19 August, 2015, 12:54pm
Trams have been on Hong Kong's streets for 110 years. Photo: Dickson Lee
A controversial plan to take Hong Kong’s iconic 110-year-old trams off the roads in Central district to reduce traffic congestion has been met with opposition from internet users.
The proposal suggests removing trams from some of the city’s busiest roads and demolishing tracks and stops to free up more space for other vehicles.
The sections of road covered by the plan include Des Voeux Road Central and Queensway in western Hong Kong Island.
Intellects Consultancy, which earlier submitted the proposal to the Town Planning Board, said trams occupy about 30 per cent of road surface, but now the MTR West Island Line has come into service the streetcars serving this area should “go to the history museum”.
It said removing trams can increase efficiency of road use and ease traffic congestion.
But the idea of scrapping a form of transport beloved by many Hongkongers was dismissed online, especially from nostalgic fans who argue the city should not merely pursue speed.
Internet users at discuss.com.hk said trams should be not taken off the roads because they are synonymous with the city.
“The tram has 110 years of history. How can we remove it?” a user named hermanqk said in a message posted on the online forum.
“I believe most Hongkongers would rather support introducing autotoll [toll roads] than agree to remove the tram!”
INFOGRAPHIC: Ding! Ding! Hong Kong's historic trams celebrate 110th anniversary
Another user, elijahli2, said the tram reaches Happy Valley, a place not covered by the MTR that can see floods of visitors to its racecourse on racing days.
Trams and buses compete for space in Central. Photo: Nora Tam
“The tram is not slow. It can carry many passengers. Racing fans and residents can only take the tram to Happy Valley, apart from the bus,” the poster said.
The tram is entering its 111th anniversary this year and is affectionately referred to as “ding ding” for the sound of its bell.
Commuters also say the tram is irreplaceable as it is the most affordable means of transport in the city, with a flat fare of just HK$2.3 per journey, and some tram stops are most conveniently located for their commutes.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1850752/plan-derail-hong-kongs-iconic-trams-ease-traffic-central
