Re: Pix of Hong Kong double deckers and Tuen Mun light rail cars

[Dave McL <davemcl@AXE*THISiprolink.co.nz>]

Hubert wrote:
 
> Hong Kong trams have been around for 100 or so years. They're now considering
> modifying double deck buses to run on electricity (from overhead wires) and make the
> pantograph flexible so that the bus can change lanes whilst the pantograph can be
> "rotated" and still hang on to the overhead electric wires.


What you are talking about is the proposal to introduce electric
trolleybuses to Hong Kong. The initial proposal is for routes in Kowloon
based around Tsim Sha Tsui, probably some of the trunk routes that run
from the Star Ferry up towards Mon KoK.

A trolleybus is an electric bus that takes its power from twin overhead
wires via two trolleypoles (poles like the ones on HK's DD trams) that
sit on its roof. Because the poles can move in an arc, a trolleybus can
move around the road like a standard bus.

There are 26 trolleybus systems in China -- all using single deck
vehicles, including a large system in Guangzhou just over the border. I
understand the Hong Kong proposal is for double deckers.

The reason for the trolleybus plan in Hong Kong is the terrible
pollution caused by motor traffic and diesel buses.

David McLoughlin
Auckland New Zealand