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First Day Cover Text for Centenary of Hong Kong Trams
The "ding, ding" of Hong Kong's trams has long been a familiar sound on local streets. During the past 100 years, the trams have developed into an integral part of our transport system. Today, the sight of trams winding through the busy streets on Hong Kong Island has become part of our life, and a memorable scene for tourists as well.
To mark this landmark 100th anniversary of Hong Kong trams, Hongkong Post is issuing a set of four commemorative stamps and a new stamp in the form of a stamp sheetlet. These intriguing stamps highlight the five important stages in the historical development of the tramways in Hong Kong between 1904 and 2004.
The four stamps come in denominations of $1.40, $2.40, $3 and $5 respectively. The stamp on the stamp sheetlet is valued at $5.
The $1.40 stamp depicts the first tram to appear on Hong Kong streets in 1904. Hong Kong moved from the single-deck tram to the double-deck tram with an open top in 1912, as is depicted in the $2.40 stamp. The $3 stamp illustrates the double-deck tram that replaced those introduced in 1912, having received an overhaul - and a canvas top - in 1913. The fourth generation tram, which features an enclosed upper deck, was introduced in 1925 and is still running nowadays. The $5 stamp depicts this generation's tram winding through a busy street of Hong Kong in the 1970s.
To usher in the new millennium, Hong Kong saw the launch of the newest tram in 2000 as depicted in the $5 stamp sheetlet. The newly designed tram features a sturdy aluminium alloy metal body construction and offers greater durability as well as more comfort and protection to passengers. The picture of the green and white Millennium New Tram is set against five different types of tickets issued over the years for travel by tram. Today, passengers simply place their fare in a collection box or use an electronic payment card to pay for their ride.