Keep the 'Ding Dings'! Plan to scrap Hong Kong's 'iconic' trams from Central looks doomed after overwhelming public opposition
A controversial idea to get rid of trams from Hong Kong’s Central business district to ease traffic congestion already looks doomed after the planning authorities were swamped with 15,000 submissions – mostly against the plan.
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At a special meeting of the Central and Western district council on Thursday, all members who spoke opposed Sit’s plan. Some rejected the proposal as “a farce”, while others said tram had become an icon of Hong Kong and should never be scrapped.
Senior town planner Jessica Lee Kit-tak said at the meeting: “The Planning Department agrees that the tram is an important and affordable means of transport on the island. And it is hardly replaceable.”
She added that the department had so far received 15,000 submissions regarding the proposal, mostly opposing the idea. Members of the public will have until Friday, September 4, to submit views. The Town Planning Board is expected to discuss the proposal at a meeting on October 23.