TRAM lovers could one day be riding from the Star Ferry to the southern beaches in air-conditioned comfort, if Hongkong Tramways has its way. Company bosses say a proposed line expansion includes moving west to service the Green Island reclamation and a tunnel route to Aberdeen and the southside. The move aims to widen transport options and reclaim the trams' former scenic glory - stolen by the reclamation of the Hong Kong Island waterfront. General manager Frankie Yick Chi-ming said reclamation was moving the waterfront further away from Central and Wan Chai, so commuters needed an extended tram line or an entirely new line. 'It will be a very commercial and touristy area, so short-haul commuting will be very important and popular there,' Mr Yick said. 'It will also be a good opportunity for us to introduce our new air-conditioned trams, especially if we opt for a separate line.' It might be possible to combine the air-conditioned and old open-air trams on one adjoining line, Mr Yick said. Passenger demand in Western was increasing and an application had been lodged to serve the proposed new town at Green Island. 'We already serve up to Kennedy Town so it will be very simple for us to connect up,' he said. 'We have spoken to the Government and told them we are very keen and willing to invest in these projects.' Hongkong Tramways would update its existing seven sub-stations and build two more to ensure sufficient power for the new lines, he said.
