A bold new look for Hong Kong’s iconic trams
The futuristic double-decker trams are both electric and driverless.
By David Flynn, September 26 2023
Dating back to 1901, Hong Kong’s rattling double-decker trams are as integral to the city as a steaming hot bowl of wonton noodles or some barbecued pork from your favourite ‘hole in the wall’ eatery.
But this new design brings those trams thundering into the 21st century, and it’s as radical on the outside as it is inside.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
Created by HK-based Ponti Design Studio and dubbed ‘Island’, the trams are fully electric and fully automated.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
Expansive curved windows at the front and rear of each tram, as well as along both decks, make the most of the view for locals and visitors alike, while a see-through rooftop lets that view soar upwards as well as outwards, promising some spectacular night-time vistas.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
Passengers would find a spacious interior with circular outward-facing padded benches replacing rows of cramped seating, while handrail bars line either side of both decks.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
“The name Island refers to the innovative design of the interiors, with large circular benches where passengers sit facing outwards” notes the Ponti Design Studio website, where sketches show interiors of charcoal walls, cushioned seats and wooden ‘heritage’ floors.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
“The exterior design is inspired by Hong Kong buildings with curved curtain walls. Island’s curved windows and domed top draw in light by day and awe-inspiring views by night.”
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
Each car incorporates a retractable connection point that allows fast charging at tram stops – and Pinto has re-imagined those stops along similarly sleek lines, open on both sides for improved passenger flow, with integrated digital screens conveying traveller information.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
Tap-on and tap-off Octopus card readers would be installed at each stop to reduce congestion points on the trams themselves.
The futuristic 'Island' concept for Hong Kong's trams.
However, don’t go looking for these cool trams on your next trip to Hong Kong. Island is a independently-developed concept by Ponti Design Studio without the involvement of the local government or Hong Kong Tramways.
While means at least you can enjoy the colourful and authentically raw character of today’s Hong Kong trams for quite a while longer, and we think that’s a good thing...
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
09 Jun 2016
Total posts 18
Do these look terrible to anyone else? The current ones have aged gracefully, these will age woefully.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Sep 2018
Total posts 153
Agreed. Totally without the authentic nostalgia and charm that keeps the ding ding alive. Turning this into a dystopian, slower version of a bus is utterly pointless
26 Sep 2023
Total posts 6
It's buried in the second last para of the press release, but these are completely freelance and hypothetical. The interior (magazine rack!) is not well designed for public transport capacity needs; and it's hard to envisage any municipal government unleashing driver-less trams on shared tracks, particularly those as busy as in HK.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Nov 2012
Total posts 122
Love the old trams. But there will be a point at which they are no longer viable. In 100 years from then, it will be interesting to see what people say about whatever comes next.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 166
Looks like an overgrown WiFi router box (that's not a compliment BTW).
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