A signature destination in Hong Kong, the tram runs along a 1.4km track and offers a prime view of the city’s famed skyline as it rises to 396 metres above sea level using a funicular system.

Following a six-month revamp and a delay of another eight due to the pandemic, the new deep-green tramcar can carry up to 210 passengers per ride, a 75 per cent increase from the previous burgundy model introduced in 1990.

Richard Harper, a steel construction manager who came from London to work in Hong Kong last October, said it was his first time taking the tram to The Peak.

“The Peak Tram was on my to-go list last year when I just arrived here,” he said. “Unfortunately it was closed. I’m glad that I finally have the opportunity to have a go on its first day.”

Hong Kong Peak Tram reopens on Saturday - with ticket prices about 70 per cent higher

Harper said the tram, which first opened in May 1888, had always been an iconic spot in Hong Kong for expatriates, describing it as a “nostalgic memory to look back on”.

The new trams are the result of a HK$799 million (US$101.8 million) renovation project that has seen services suspended since June last year.

But the price of an adult return ticket has soared almost 70 per cent from HK$52 before the revamp to HK$88 now. The last increase was in 2018, when the fare rose by 16 per cent from HK$45.

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Harper said he understood why ticket prices had increased, adding that he thought it was the only way to pay off the extended construction fees resulting from the delay.

He said he had been to other tourist attractions overseas and found the new fares “still very cheap” compared with ones elsewhere.

“I think 70 per cent may sound a lot but people will still come here and enjoy the tram ride if it’s HK$88,” Harper said.

The Central terminus, located under the St John’s Building on Garden Road, was also renovated, with air-conditioned sheltered waiting areas provided.

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Fong Yung-mui, an 84-year-old retiree who requires a crutch to help her walk, said this was probably going to be her last time taking the tram.

Fong said she used to be scared of taking the tram because accessing it required walking up several stairways. But the new design of the terminus hallway was more level and included escalators to the platform, she added.

“It’s more convenient for elders like me,” she said.

The roomier trams include 22 seats with a downhill view of The Peak, allowing passengers to enjoy a view of Victoria Harbour on their journey back. The new design also features skylight ceilings and wider windows to offer travellers better visuals during their trip.

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Passengers on the first tram to depart at 11am shouted for joy or tried to capture the moment on their phones and cameras. During the eight-minute ride, several hikers on their way to The Peak stopped and waved as the first tram travelled up the tracks.

Teresa Chan, a retiree who rides the tram once a year, said the journey felt smoother than before and there was more sunlight inside. With a more spacious seat, she said she could stand up and enjoy the harbour view from the wider windows.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, many passengers stopped by souvenir shops for goods and drinks at The Peak Tower.

Hung Sam-ching, the manager of one such store, said businesses on The Peak hoped the tram’s reopening would increase footfall.

“Our turnover has dropped to about 10 per cent of what it was before Covid-19,” she said. “Tourists were our main income, and without them last year, we were unable to pay wages.”

Hung added that while the reopening was a good thing for retailers, most local customers were less interested in buying souvenirs.

“We hope the border can be reopened soon so more tourists can come and our business can recover,” she said.

To mark the reopening, the Peak Tram is offering discounts - the “Thank you HK pass” - for residents until October 30. An adult return ticket costs HK$66 during the period.