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Parallel lives

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Thomas Tam, senior operator of the Peak Tram Age: 45.

Career path: I have been driving the Peak Tram for 12 years. Before that I was an office clerk, but it was so boring. I applied to become an operator of the Peak Tram because the only qualifications required were good health, Cantonese and English and a Hong Kong matriculation certificate. For the first year, I sold tickets. After this probation period, I did six month's training to become a driver.

I learned all about the trams, how they work, how to operate them, and how to repair minor faults. After taking my test - twice - I got my tram driver's licence and now I have been driving it for 10 years. In 1989, when the mechanical trams were replaced by computerised ones, I had to learn how to operate them all over again.

Thomas' day: The Peak Tram runs from 7 am until midnight every day and there are two shifts; from 6.30 am to 3.30 pm and from 3.30 pm to 12.30 am. If I am doing the day shift, I get up at 5.30 am and catch the MTR from Wan Chai, where I live. I cannot be late for work because I have the keys for the station and must open the doors for everybody. We do a pre-service test at 6.40 am. This is to check the track, the tram and all related equipment. There has never been an accident on the Peak Tram and we aim to keep it that way.

My lunch break is from 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm; I usually grab something at a fast food shop in Central. I do about 45 trips a day, but as the senior operator I also have some administrative work to do in the office. I like my job; there are no traffic jams, I enjoy the views and can see the development of Hong Kong, and I also meet a lot of tourists. I enjoy answering questions about Hong Kong and I even have some passenger pen-pals around the world. Being patient, polite and friendly are important parts of the Peak Tram image. Staff are treated well here and I am happy.

The hours do interfere with my family life; I don't get to see my son and wife as much as I would like, which is why my wife lives with my family. I get a day off every week, but it is not fixed.

Salary: About $20,000 a month.

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