Hong Kong trams on track for a smoother (and quieter) ride

Hongkongers will gradually be spared the screeching and banging noises from their city’s trams over the next 10 to 15 years, as the illustrious vehicles get a multimillion-dollar facelift to give a quieter and smoother ride.

The trams’ undercarriages – the bogies which support the tram and contain its wheels, axles, motors and brakes – have been in place since the 1950s and need a makeover to keep with the times, according to Hong Kong Tramways’ new managing director, Cyril Aubin.

Aubin revealed that the company would commit to a major investment not seen in decades for the replacement of the bogie system on its 164 streetcars.

Affectionately known as “ding dings” for their bell sounds, the trams generate a less pleasing rumbling noise as they move along the tracks, especially when negotiating sharp bends.

The company said the new bogies, self-adjusting and computerised, would reduce noise by up to 40 per cent, ease friction on the lines and save energy. They will also have sensors to capture real-time data for operational analysis. 

“The current bogie system of our trams is very well maintained but its design is very old. We need to catch up with the times and modern technology,” Aubin, who became managing director late last year, said.