Hong Kong’s Peak Tram service suspended for third straight day due to fallen trees near tracks
- Service suspension disrupts plans of dozens of visitors from mainland China and countries such as Poland, France and the Philippines
- Government effort ‘remains in progress’ after several trees fell near the Barker Road station on Sunday, tram company says
Hong Kong’s Peak Tram service remained suspended for a third straight day as efforts continued to clear trees that had toppled near the tracks after heavy rain on Sunday.
The suspension left tourists arriving at the Peak Tram terminus in Central on Tuesday disappointed, with some seeking ticket refunds.
Steven Zhang, a 31-year-old from neighbouring Shenzhen who was on a day trip to Hong Kong with his wife, said the bad weather had disrupted their plans.
“We hardly get a chance to travel, and now our plans are ruined by [the fallen trees] … It’s really unfortunate,” said Zhang, who works in the design industry.
“It’s disappointing because coming here under such heavy rain is troublesome. They should have told us not to buy tickets if it was known it would take so long to clear the trees.”
Zhang, who did not seek a refund immediately, said they might go to Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po instead.
The Peak Tram Company said it aimed to clear most of the tree trunks by Tuesday and inspections would be carried out at night to test the full functionality of the system.
It added it would announce details of its services on Wednesday later.
Several trees fell near the Barker Road station on Sunday, the company said earlier.
Amber rainstorm and thunderstorm warnings were issued in the morning but cancelled in the afternoon.
The Observatory said lightning was detected in all districts, and severe squally thunderstorms were expected during the day.
Dozens of visitors from countries including Poland, France and the Philippines were affected by the Peak Tram’s suspension.
Cruz Jobed, who travelled with his family of six from the Philippines, said they had to scramble to make alternative plans.
“It’s unfortunate that we can’t take the tram … it’s been exhausting travelling from our hotel in Central under this bad weather,” Jobed said. “Now we have to look for other alternatives at the last minute.”
Hong Kong told to brace for more wet weather in week ahead
Jobed said he and his family, who planned to stay in Hong Kong for seven days, was looking forward to enjoying the breeze and the views on The Peak on Tuesday.
A tourist from mainland China’s Jiangxi province said he was hoping to show his two sons the city where he had worked in years ago.
Sun said it was “truly regrettable” they could not take the tram up to the top.
“Although there are other ways to ascend The Peak, missing the tram ride feels like losing a unique part of the … experience,” he said.
Rain predicted for Hong Kong for most of week, Observatory says
Sun, who was planning to visit Wong Tai Sin or Sham Shui Po, also took a more positive view of the weather.
“The rain actually has its perks as there are fewer tourists, making the attractions less crowded.”
A staff member at the Peak Tram ticket office said it was highly unlikely service could resume on Tuesday and they were still awaiting further updates from the government.
Visitors can still head to The Peak using buses, minibuses or taxis.
