【明報專訊】Trams, which have served Hong Kong for more than a century, will have a "facelift". Hong Kong Tramways Limited announced on October 5 that two trams would be modified to a new design and put to service each month. According to the company, the aim of the "new tram design and new tram body " project is to "enhance passenger comfort and achieve energy conservation". It stressed that "the tram's appearance and iconic image would be maintained". It is estimated that the project would cost $75 million.
New features will include additional handles and an improved rear flap gate design. Turnstiles (十字轉門) will be removed, and aluminium frames will be added to wooden seats. To help save energy, the company will replace fluorescent lights (日光燈、鎢絲燈) in its trams with LED lights. Three external LED displays will give information on terminuses and routes. Moreover, motormen will have better working conditions.
