Peak Tram: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Peak Tram

The Peak Tramway in Hong Kong is a cable car system that runs on rail. It is the oldest mechanical vehicle on Hong Kong Island. It is a commuter transport system as well as a tourist attraction.

Route

The Peak Tram's route is from Central to Victoria Peak, and it has three stops in between to serve local residents. The track is about 1,365 metres long and the tram takes seven minutes to reach The Peak.

The lower terminus station is located in Central, on Garden Rd. The original building was rebuilt into St. John's building, with the tram terminus at the ground level. The upper terminus is located in the Peak Tower.

• 1888 - first served the public, powered by a steam engine
• 1926 - replaced with an electric engine and a cable of 5000 feet to hold two cars - one going up and one going down - at the same time.
• 1989 - system was computerized and the passenger capacity was increased from the original 32 to 120.

The Peak Tram is quick and safe since the tram is computer-controlled with an automatic system check on all safety devices before its journey begins. It is environmentally friendly as well due to its microprocessor-controlled electric drive system.

At the track's steepest point, the cars run at an angle of 27 degrees to the horizontal. Few self-powered vehicles can climb such steep incline if not pulled by a cable. Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA is a similar cable car system.

The Tram takes the shortest route up to The Peak and has the best views, including the skyscrapers of Hong Kong.

See also:

• Transportation in Hong Kong
• Tourism in Hong Kong
• List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong