25 April 2001

Hongkong Tramways Installs Octopus for Passengers' Convenience

Hong Kong, April 25, 2001...Hongkong Tramways Limited today announces the installation of Octopus System on its 25 tramcars.

Starting from April 25 (today), passengers can enjoy their tram journey on designated tramcars, without the hassle of finding coins, by simply beeping their Octopus cards at Octopus readers. Appropriate fares will be deducted and the remaining value will be displayed simultaneously. "No rush, no worry. Octopus provides our passengers with further convenience", Mr. T. K. Wong, General Manager of Hongkong Tramways Limited said.

Half fares are still available to senior citizens and children holding specific Octopus cards while traveling on 25 designated tramcars.

Hongkong Tramways Limited plans to install the Octopus System in its remaining tramcars within the fleet by July 2001.

About Hongkong Tramways

Hongkong Tramways Limited is a member of The Wharf Group of companies. The Wharf Group, founded in 1886, is driven by strong recurrent earnings and value creation opportunities originating from its investment flagship property at Kowloon Point and is supported by major investments in CME (communications, media and entertainment) and logistics (container and air cargo terminals). Tram service commenced operation in 1904 running along the waterfront from East to West on Northern Hong Kong Island. Trams have been continuously providing an efficient and economical mode of public transport for the past 97 years. Today, it is the world's only surviving fleet of double-deck tramcars for passenger traffic, carrying nearly 250,000 passengers daily with 163 tramcars (including 2 antique tramcars).

About Octopus

Octopus was launched in September 1997. Today, more than 7.2 million cards are in circulation, accounting for around 6 million transactions per day. Creative Star, the operator of the Octopus system, has now extending the Octopus to over 40 service providers including public transport, convenience stores, fast food, vending, access control for housing estates, as well as recreational facilities.

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For further information, please contact:

Mr. Eric Ng
Operations Manager
Hongkong Tramways Limited
Tel: (852) 2118 6338
Fax: (852) 2118 6038

Ms. Joan Ng
Director of Marketing
Creative Star Limited
Tel: (852) 2266 2226
Fax: (852) 2266 2254