The China Motor Bus Company Limited provides bus services on 32 routes on Hong Kong Island under an exclusive franchise. Most of the fleet of 550 vehicles (350 double deck, 200 single deck) are one-man operated using an exact fare system. During 1972 over 30 single deck buses were rebuilt as double deckers. Almost half a million passengers are carried daily by the company. The two bus companies operate joint services through the cross- harbour tunnel on a pooled mileage basis.
Public Light Buses are 14-seat minibuses that were introduced in September 1969. They are permitted to operate anywhere except in streets or areas where either entry is prohibited or where restrictions are imposed on the setting down or picking up of passengers. Otherwise, minibuses can stop for passengers anywhere other than within 50 feet of a bus or tram stop.
There are no fixed routes or stopping places. Fares range from 20 to 50 cents on urban routes but on longer routes to the New Territories, or through the cross-harbour tunnel, fares are usually $2. During peak hours, on Sundays or holidays, most fares are doubled or even trebled. Although routes are not fixed, public light buses tend to ply on 110 routes following closely those of the bus services. These individually-owned public light buses number 3,900 and carry almost 1.2 million passengers daily.
Hongkong Tramways Limited operates a tram service along the urban north shore of Hong Kong Island. There are 162 double deck trams with 22 trailers operating on three routes totalling almost 17 miles, most of which is double tracked. The number of passengers carried each day is approximately 406, 000.
The Peak Tramways Company Limited has operated a funicular rail- way since 1888 to Victoria Peak, between the lower levels of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Gap, 1, 300 feet above sea level. There are seven stations and the fare is either 50 cents for part distance or $1 for the full distance. About 6, 200 passengers are carried each day.
Water-Borne Transport
London:
Attention is being given to the potential of the River Thames in providing transport for commuters and tourists to relieve the road traffic generated by them. The GLC has acquired six piers from the Port of London Authority, making a total of seven which it manages. It is discussing the question of improving the boat services, and the development of the hovercraft service between Greenwich and central London and it is seeking to extend the service further down river.
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