Face Off JRA 2015: Should we remove trams from Central? (Affirmative)

Trams are a cheap and eco-friendly means of transport, but their disadvantages outweighs the benefits. 

Other transport systems are much faster and more reliable. Another problem is, unlike cars and buses, trams are simply not suitable for present-day Hong Kong because they run on tracks along the city's busy streets. While buses can move around obstacles, trams must wait for the road to clear before they can continue their journey. 

In addition, their slow speed and frequent stops worsen the city's traffic congestion. This may not bother tourists who enjoy a tram ride, but it won't help solve Hong Kong's air pollution problem.

These days, most governments are keen to implement energy-saving plans. By removing trams between Central and Admiralty, we can save a huge amount of electricity. 

Moreover, trams are not the first choice of transport for many Hongkongers who prefer cars, trains or buses.

As former government town planner Sit Kwok-keung said: "MTR services cover the whole of Hong Kong Island, so why do we still insist on a mode of transportation that is slow and carries few passengers?"

It's about time we let go of the idea that trams are a part of Hong Kong's heritage and should be preserved.

If preserving our culture is so important, then including trams in a transport museum does not sound like a bad idea. Trams belong in museums, not on the city's streets.