2.13
2.14
2.15
However, the very factors which make Des Voeux Road West a difficult problem from the traffic viewpoint also contribute to the argument against a total withdrawal of tram/LRT services. One of the advantages of the tram/LRT in Des Voeux Road West is that, unlike the bus services, it does not have to use the kerbside where the intensive servicing activities take place.*
place. Further- more, on a subjective basis, it would appear that the street suffers more than many from vehicle exhaust fumes, which would suggest a preference for electrically powered trams/LRT rather than diesel buses. Also, the political acceptability of a complete service withdrawal' must be considered, especially in the absence of any realistic proposals to provide an improvement in alternative transport services.
•
Finally, the issue of depot location has a bearing on the matter. It would appear that the only new depot site which could be established by 1980 is at Kennedy Town. The desirability of an early introduction of new LRV's has already been established, and so this practical point is of considerable relevance to the decision on. provision of service in Western.
Thus total service withdrawal in Western would appear to be undesirable. Assessment of the merit of the other three options is made complicated by uncertainty over the impact of the.
Connaught Road improvement(1) on the area. If this scheme" coupled
with appropriate traffic management measures, could be used to divert a large proportion of traffic out of Des Voeux Road West,
* It is notable that these activities are at their greatest at periods
other than public transport peak hours.
(1) The improvement of Connaught Road West is presently programmed for
construction between 1982 and 1985. The scheme includes leaving the existing road servicing properties fronting Connaught Road West, and constructing a ground level two-lane dual carriageway alongside it and an elevated two-lane dual carriageway on reclaimed land.
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