From the outside, it looks like any other tram, but the interior of No172 as it trundles around Hong Kong's tracks gives a hint of what future trams may look like.
Among other changes, the bench on the lower deck has been replaced with individual seats, the cabin is bathed in soft LED lighting and there are panels and announcements informing passengers of the next stop.
The tram, which also has a new motor, has been on test runs for some time as part of plans by the trams' new operator, Veolia Transport, to modernise the century-old service.
The French company, which bought a 50 per cent stake in Hong Kong Tramways from Wharf (Holdings) last year, is also testing a new braking and cable system, trying out new maintenance methods on rail tracks to reduce noise and working with the government on ways to revamp its routes to improve the trams' speed, frequency and efficiency.
It was reported earlier that Tramways was seeking to introduce three turning points along the line between Shau Kei Wan and Kennedy Town so that the 11/2-hour journey could be broken up into shorter loops with a greater frequency of service, although passengers would have to switch trams - at no charge.
Managing director Bruno Charrade said he hoped the proportion of people who spent less than 21/2 minutes waiting for a tram would jump from 75 per cent to about 90 per cent if the Transport Department approved the proposal. However, it would not be easy to find the space to turn the trams in some proposed locations, such as Wan Chai.
The company also plans to expand its 163-tram fleet to be able to offer a greater frequency of service.