HK Tramways gets on Guinness World Record

HK Tramways’ iconic tram system has been awarded the Guinness World Records title of the “largest double-decker tram fleet in service (最大的服務中的雙層電車車隊)”.

As of its 117-year-old today, HK Tramways now owns and operates 165 trams, carrying up to 200,000 passengers every day. Apart from the award ceremony held today, a series of city-wide celebrations such as a pop-up store and featured crossovers will be held.

“The double-deck system” refers to the tram system of running on gauge tracks with trolley poles and operating on a double-decker basis. Other examples of the double-decker are the UK Blackpool Tram and Egypt Alexandria Tram.

“It’s my greatest pleasure to be here to witness and congratulate the HK Tramways for being officially awarded with the Guinness World Records title of the largest double-decker team fleet in service. HK Tramways is a living legend that has served HK since 1904, it carries not just the passengers but also our collective memories,” said Chan Fan, Frank, JP, Secretary for Transport and Housing, “The continuous operation and remarkable services of HK Tramways cannot be sustained without the dedication and determination of the staff of HK Tramways.”

“Every year, tourists join residents on these double-decker trams and immerse themselves in an authentic culture that brings them close to the real Hong Kong. These in-depth experiences have been one of our promotional focuses at the Hong Kong Tourism Board. We will continue to do our best to showcase them through various initiatives, and we will join hands with the HK Tramways to promote the trams, our city’s cultural icon, to the rest of the world,” noted in the ceremony by Dane Cheng, executive director of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

 “From every tiny mechanical part of the tram, every tramcar built in the depot, every sweat of our motormen, every precise decision made by our craftsman, every creative input by our fans in the community, every support casted by the commuting choice of our passengers, to all the smiles we shared on the tram - they all contribute to the success of Tramways today, creating such a remarkable achievement we can all share together,” said Cyril Aubin, managing director of HK Tramways.

As the Guinness World Records™ Title is a tribute to everyone along our journey, Tramways is joining hands with a number of like-minded local and world-renewed brands. Featured crossovers include a photo exhibition highlighting proud moments with trams with Leica HK, a collection of limited-edition tram-themed living goods and Tramways’ first mall pop-up store.

Most recently, HK Tramways collaborated with Pantone Color Institute to create a new signature green shade that pays tribute to the HK Tram.

 Since the 1940’s, HK Tram has started furnishing the bodies of its self-built double-decker tram fleet with the dark green paint left in abundance at the wartimes. After a century of tramcar manufacturing with continuous innovations along the way, the famous green tone has become an icon of Hong Kong and secured its identity globally.

Celebrating the announcement of the “HK Tram Green”, HKT partnered Home and Lifestyle Retailer ISSHO46 to launch the first “HK Collection” with six colors collected from elements of the city, ranging from HK Tram, landmarks to local cultural icons. The collection comprises of loungewear (t-shirt), cup and coaster set will be launched.

Related articles:

JCDecaux Cityscape renews ad contract with Hong Kong Tramways for 5 years
Hong Kong Tramways hands ad contract to Cody
Hong Kong Tramways rebrands after 43 years