The Peak Tram is a funicular railway running along the slopes of Hong Kong Island from downtown to Victoria Peak. It has been in operation since 1888 and serves both commuters and tourists alike.

The downtown terminus is located underneath this silver skyscraper in the Midlevels area :
http://img38.exs.cx/img38/9451/RIMG2150.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/30476874.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/24530572.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/180410.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benleung/image/17588271.jpg

http://img38.exs.cx/img38/295/RIMG2195.jpg

Very interesting. This is the third threads on "Funicular Railways" in a week. First it was Lyon, France then Haifa, Israel and now Hong Kong. Very interesting. I had never even heard the word funicular used before now. I think in the States we call them incline railways.

This is what the old trams looked like before the red ones replaced them :
Source : http://www.pbase.com/anubis_photo/hong_kong_70s__80s&page=all

http://www.pbase.com/image/26927773.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/mitchmu/image/31285737.jpg

Peak Tower Terminus
http://www.pbase.com/image/3246974.jpg

A ride on New Year's by GUIA :

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/tram1.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/tram2.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/tram3.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/tram4.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/tram5.jpg

Heavy rain brings chaos to villagers and tourists
Amy Ling and Clifford Lo
22 June 2005
South China Morning Post

Yesterday's late-morning downpour brought flooding to many parts of the city. In Mid-Levels, a skidding truck dislodged rocks that blocked the Peak Tram line for most of the afternoon.

The worst flooding was in Sai Kung, where homes in Nam Wai village were 30cm deep in water. But residents took the deluge in their stride - firemen were not called upon to help.

Four other areas were reported to be flooded in the district, where the observatory recorded 61mm of rain between 11.45am and 12.45pm, the Drainage Services Department said.

A further nine incidents of flooding were reported elsewhere, mostly in Kowloon.

Peak Tram services were halted for five hours after a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed a concrete embankment in May Road at 11am, littering the track with debris.

The suspension left a number of disappointed tourists, including a family of four who were visiting from Romania.

"I won't take the bus to get to the Peak because the Peak Tram ride is the real fun," the father said, vowing to return today to go on the tram.

Several other traffic accidents occurred while the amber rainstorm warning was in place between 9.10am and 2.40pm.

Drainage Services Department spokesman Robin Lee Kui-biu said most of the flooding was caused by blocked drains.

Staff had been sent to clear the blockages he said.

The observatory said an active southwesterly monsoon had brought unsettled weather to southern China.

More rainfall was expected today, occasionally heavy with squally thunderstorms, according to forecasters.

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/1091/hk-peak-tram-01a.jpg

Source : http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/China/South/Hong_Kong/Hong_Kong/

I love the peak tram! That was one of the highlights of my trip to HK a couple years ago! I love that city... :hug:

I've been there! Pretty cool.

i was on it, and it was pretty steep~~

cool as usual.

I had never even heard the word funicular used before now. I think in the States we call them incline railways.

Interesting;I've heard the word "incline railway" before, but I thought you used both words in the US.
We in Italy also call that "funicolare", there are a little here too...too bad they are all too far from me and I cannot post pictures, but if I ride them I'll show you.
Ciao

Very nice indeed it would be great to ride this into the green ocean..:)

山頂纜車10．1加價
23/09/2006

http://the-sun.orisun.com/channels/news/20060923/img/sn05092303_big.jpg

【本報訊】山頂凌霄閣以億元翻新後，山頂纜車在十月一日起加價，加幅由一成至六成六不等，成人單程車費由二十元加至二十二元、雙程由三十元加至三十三元。山頂廣場停車場時租亦已由二十五元大幅加至四十元，加幅高達六成。中西區區議員批評，加價會打擊剛復甦的旅遊業，打擊遊客上山頂意欲，建議區議會討論此問題。

停車場加價六成
山頂纜車車費加幅由一成至六成六不等，小童和長者新價同為單程八元，雙程十五元，小童現價為單程六元、雙程九元，長者現價為單程七元、雙程十四元。成人月票則由四百元加至四百六十元。山頂纜車早前曾表示由於經營成本上升，有需要加價。山頂纜車對上一次加價在二○○○年，當時加幅約為一成。

至於隆經營的山頂廣場，停車場亦在九月十五日起加價，時租由二十五元加至四十元，加幅達六成。山頂廣場顧客呂先生每月都有數次和太太到來吃晚飯，他昨晚到山頂廣場泊車時，始發現泊車費增加，他指加幅驚人，日後會減少上山頂吃飯，甚至不再上來。

Long may trams have a place in HK
31 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Perhaps even more than the Star Ferry, the Peak Tram has a special place in our collective memory. Long the exclusive neighbourhood of the rich, The Peak has, nevertheless, been accessible to all, thanks to the tram.

From the hustle and bustle of Central, people can just hop on the tram and take a steep ride through the flora and luxury residences up the hill. With pressure slowly building on the ear drums, all of a sudden an extraordinary vista opens up, revealing the city and Victoria Harbour in full glory. The ride remains a must-have experience for tourists, and the view it offers is the iconic image of Hong Kong around the world.

It is, therefore, not surprising that thousands of people were willing to wait up to seven hours yesterday to take a ride down memory lane. Yesterday, Hong Kong's first rail system celebrated its 120th anniversary. It was not just that the ride was reduced to 30 cents, the original price when the tramway opened at the end of May in 1888. People were making the trip, many with their whole families, to celebrate an act of remembrance. For a city that is in danger of losing many of its heritage sites, the tram holds a special significance. The Star Ferry, for example, is no longer the same now that it has been relocated and its clock tower taken down.

Like Hong Kong, the Peak Tram has gone through many changes. The first tramway ran on steam, but switched to electricity in 1926 and was modernised in 1989. Today, the automated system is run by computer, as befits our modern city. But from the first, it was a success. Its very popularity led Hong Kong to take the plunge and build tram tracks running east to west along Hong Kong Island. The first electric tram went into service in July 1904 and the system remains a key part of our public transport system.

The original trams have been replaced and revamped, but those in use still resemble the originals. Locals use it for its cheap fares and efficiency, and visitors are enamoured of it. But without the success of the Peak Tram, this century-old system might not have existed. Let us hope that these trams will run for as long as there is this special place called Hong Kong.

Long may trams have a place in HK
The original trams have been replaced and revamped, but those in use still resemble the originals. Locals use it for its cheap fares and efficiency, and visitors are enamoured of it. But without the success of the Peak Tram, this century-old system might not have existed. Let us hope that these trams will run for as long as there is this special place called Hong Kong.Hear, Hear!

Cheers to the Peak Tram :cheers:

Cheers, m

No way trams will last longer than Star Ferry.

The peak tram, and normal trams, and star ferry will forever be symbols of Hong Kong!

Source : http://www.pbase.com/handsintheair/peak

http://www.pbase.com/handsintheair/image/93071973.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/handsintheair/image/93072073.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/handsintheair/image/93204862.jpg

Peak Tram and Sky Terrace to cost more
18 December 2009
South China Morning Post

Peak Tram fares and entry to the Sky Terrace of the Peak Tower will cost more from January 1, operator Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels announced yesterday.

The adult single tram fare will rise from HK$22 to HK$25, and the return from HK$33 to HK36. Children's fares of HK$8 single and HK$15 return will both rise by HK$1. Monthly tickets for adults and senior citizens will stay the same.

The price of admission to the observation deck will rise from HK$20 to HK$25 for adults, and from HK$10 to HK$12 for children.

The last time fares on the 120-year-old Peak Tram service increased was October 2006, when the adult return fare rose HK$3.

The Sky Terrace was free until September 2007 and this is the first time the company has raised the fee.

"The Peak Tram is special, with its long history. It's not something to be replaced by other vehicles," said Travel Industry Council chairman Michael Wu Siu-ieng, who believed the fare rise would not affect the tram's inclusion in tourist packages.

Agencies were given a grace period of three months during which prices for agents would stay the same, executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said. "Of course we don't want any fare increase. But it's a commercial decision and we have no choice but to accept it," he said.

Some tourists asked in particular to ride on the Peak Tram, but the Peak Tower should add value to the Sky Terrace, he said. "They should add more programmes for people to enjoy on the Sky Terrace."

Few pictures from my visit to Peak Tram in September:
It is really inclined:)
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4884/9d0918097.jpg

On the peak:
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8494/9d0918129.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/372/9d0918135.jpg

A look down:
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5897/9d0918147.jpg

Control room:
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/972/9d0918149.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3757.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3758.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3760.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3761.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3764.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3765.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3766.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3773.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3779.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3781.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3783.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3784.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3785.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3786.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3790.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3800.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3801.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3808.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3816.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3831.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3835.jpg

So where now for Scots on the make?
17 October 2010
Sunday Mail

THE white-knuckle tram ride to Hong Kong's Victoria Peak is a must-do for tourists.

As it heaved its way up the steep gradient overlooking a terrifying drop, I was glad it was the brainchild of a Scot - Alexander Findlay Smith.

How come we can complete an engineering miracle in 1888 but can't get a tram from one end of Princes Street to the other in 2010? In Hong Kong the imprint of the early Scots who came here is still apparent.

The city has streets with names like Argyle and Dundas, a harbour called Aberdeen and gleaming corporate skyscrapers that owe their existence to Scots financial canniness.

It has to be said there were also times when our Scots forefathers didn't do us proud. The early financiers were big in the drugs trade - and we think today's bankers have an image problem.

I first came to Hong Kong 16 years ago, just before it was handed back to the Chinese.

I was making a documentary about the vibrant Scots community and how they held senior positions in banking, the police, in newspapers and even in the world-beating railway system.

In the 1960s and 70s Hong Kong had been a yellow brick road for thousands of young Scotsmen and women.

Not just high-rollers, but ordinary Scots willing to work hard to make a better life for themselves.

I met one woman from Paisley who had come with a few hundred pounds in her pocket and had become a multimillionaire running a chain of pubs. That chain no longer exists in Hong Kong and my feeling is the huge opportunities are no longer there.

The jobs are now going to the Chinese, and why not? A generation ago a passport and a bucket-load of ambition took thousands of Scots not just to Hong Kong, but to America, Canada and Australia where our work ethic got us a warm welcome.

The trigger for large-scale migration was a deep economic downturn and a lack of jobs.

Today we're bracing ourselves for just that, but where are those same opportunities? Nowadays you need particular skills to find work, even in traditional destinations like Australia. Everywhere else, the biggest barrier is language.

By chance I came home to discover that the Liberal Democrats had called for Mandarin to be taught in every school in Scotland.

China will soon become the next economic superpower. Its rate of growth is mind-blowing - it's expected to build 10 cities each the size of New York within the next 15 years.

Hong Kong's gleaming skyline owes some of its success to Scots ingenuity, but it's moved on.

As a new generation of Scots find times tough at home, where is the Hong Kong of the future? From the top of Victoria Peak on a clear day you can see the Chinese mainland. Maybe Alexander Findlay Smith, who first got travellers up there, was trying to tell us something.

Temporary public transport arrangements during suspension of Peak Tram service
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Government Press Release

The Transport Department today (November 25) reminded the public that the Peak Tram would be suspended on November 29 and 30 due to maintenance works. Temporary public transport arrangements will be implemented during the suspension period.

The temporary transport arrangements mainly include:

1. Diversion of New World First Bus (NWFB) Route 15

NWFB Route 15 (Central (Central Ferry Piers / Exchange Square) - The Peak) will be diverted to operate via the Lower Peak Tram Station on Garden Road on its journeys to the Peak from 7am to midnight. The bus service will be strengthened to meet passengers' demand when necessary.

2. Suspension of service of NWFB Route 15C

The service of NWFB Route 15C (Central (Central Ferry Pier No 8) - Garden Road (Lower Peak Tram Station)) will be suspended.

3. Strengthening of service of Green Minibus (GMB) Route 1

GMB Route 1 (Central (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange) - The Peak) will be strengthened to meet passengers' demand when necessary.

The Peak Tramways Company Limited and NWFB will put up notices at Peak Tram stations and bus stops respectively to advise passengers of the above arrangements.

Peak Tram takes a break
The Standard
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Visitors to The Peak who like to take the iconic tram had better make alternative plans if they're going there early next month.

The Peak Tram is scheduled for its annual maintenance work on September 5, with services resuming at 7am the next day.

Alternatives will be provided. A temporary bus stop will be added at the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus where passengers can take the New World First Bus route No 15.

The frequency of the Public Light Bus No 1 from Central will also increase.

Temporary public transport arrangements during suspension of Peak Tram service
Friday, September 2, 2011
Government Press Release

The Transport Department today (September 2) announced that temporary public transport arrangements will be implemented on September 5 (Monday) to facilitate the suspension of the Peak Tram service for maintenance of the tram system.

The temporary transport arrangements include:

A. Diversion of bus route No. 15

New World First Bus (NWFB) route No. 15 (Central (Central Ferry Piers/Exchange Square) - The Peak) will be diverted to operate via the Lower Peak Tram Station on Garden Road on its journeys to the Peak from 7am to midnight. The bus service will be strengthened to meet passenger demand when necessary.

B. Suspension of service of route No. 15C

The service of NWFB route No. 15C (Central (Central Ferry Pier No. 8) - Garden Road (Lower Peak Tram Station)) will be suspended.

C. Strengthening of service of green minibus route No. 1

The service of green minibus route No. 1 (Central (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange) - The Peak) will be strengthened to meet passenger demand when necessary.

The Peak Tramways Company Limited and NWFB will put up notices at Peak Tram stations and bus stops to advise passengers of the above arrangements.

This tram's fascinating. It's even personalised.

In the last paragraph wherein the red non-stop indicators are illustrated, what's meant by "alighting passengers"? Does the tram operator's usage of the term refer to passengers wishing to get off of the platform (station), i.e., those wishing to board the tram? If not, then why would a passenger wishing to disembark at an intermediate stop, thereby freeing up space inside the tram, be prohibited from doing so? Might this mean a tram --all of a sudden-- becomes a mere shuttle to the top or bottom station once its capacity is topped at any one of the first four stops of the ride? Reluctantly, must said wishful passenger complete the tram ascent/descent and thereafter try disembarking on the hopefully-more lucky return trip (do passengers risk riding the transport indefinitely?!?)? Is maximum capacity announced on-board by the tram driver? How much time and breathlessness can detours/climbs/descents exact from the otherwise-tram-detainees when they disembark early, thanks to the drivers' announcements? Must the local passengers grind their teeth often 'at' the tourists?

Their at-station stop-request literature, however, is muddling :nuts:

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0117/IMG_3784.jpg (http://www.globalphotos.org/)

:uh: even its switches seem queer, i.e., tram filmed below takes the left-hand exit:

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad236/trainrover/TramSwitch.jpg
^^ watch for yourself (clickable) :) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLGeI-70HRQ)

That panel is for the passengers waiting at the stop to press to request the next tram to stop there. If someone on board the tram wishes to get off, what happens at the stop would not impact it.

I like the Peak, and while the funicular is a tourist must-do (I've done it twice, not sure I will do it thrice), it doesn't scale well with more tourists (and as the mainland becomes more affluent we can expect many more of them). Furthermore while the views towards the end are great, for 3/4 of the trip you look into a succession of garages built next to the line (I think there are more of them now than 10 years ago as well, but that may be my imagination). Of course less-than-stellar views, long waiting lines, and increasing prices may offset more tourists, but to me the tram, while a must-do, is not the high point of the Peak. Neither is the shopping mall end station, which is a mediocre affair with well-above mediocre prices.

But I truly love the foot paths around the peak, one of my favourite things in Hong Kong, and for some reason not truly discovered by either the locals nor the tourists. In other words you can walk in relative solitude, absolute solitude at night.

This discussion is frankly not interesting, though maybe there should be a thread on signage (if there isn't already).

Guys, keep this on-topic please. Stop the personal insults and ask questions in a respectful manner.

HKSkyline, thank you for your efforts in posting information, they're much appreciated. :)