The $1 million refit to trams which will see passengers enter from the front, leave from the rear and all turnstiles removed received a mixed reception from drivers and passengers yesterday. As part of the Hongkong Tramways refurbishment, vehicles will also be fitted with closed-circuit video systems and rear door alarms to ensure passengers have alighted before trams move on. Chan Yan, 71, said the refit was an inconvenience rather than a help. 'Why did they change it?' he asked. 'I have been taking the tram for half a century and I never felt it needed any change. 'If they change it, I will need some time to adjust to the new measures. 'I think trams in the old days were the best - cheap and convenient. Now they're just expensive and troublesome.' A driver who worked on the trams for 31 years said the changes were unnecessary. 'I feel more comfortable with the present system. I can't see any reason to change it,' he said. However, passenger Yeung Kei-chung, 30, welcomed the move. 'Many people just forget to pay when they get off the tram. Sometimes I forget to pay myself. It can be very embarrassing,' he said. 'We are used to taking the bus and paying money first. I think the next step is to install air-conditioning on trams. It is too hot in summer without it.' Tram driver Lo King-yan, 51, said the new measures were an improvement. 'It is easier for me to monitor people getting on and off the tram and it can prevent fare-dodgers,' he said. However, accountant Karen Yeung Sau-kuen, 27, said: 'I have no special feelings about it. They can do whatever they like - as long as it is cheap and safe, I don't care.'
