A.27
gauge would not be a serious handicap for an LRT system in the Island Corridor, especially as it would avoid the considerable disruption required for a change of gauge.
There remains however the issue of vehicle width. The Transport Department currently requires a clearance of 0.45 metres between passing trams on straight track, largely on the grounds of permitting a pedestrian to stand between the cars. However, West German regulations permit a minimum clearance of 0.3m between passing light rail vehicles provided that the window design prevents passengers from leaning out. For most of the length of the existing tramway, the "clearway" between tracks is 5 feet (1.524m) or greater. If the West German clearance standard is used, vehicles almost 2.3 metres (in fact, 2.291m) wide could be operated on these sections without relaying the track.
A.28
A.29
Clearances narrower than 5 feet are however found in a number of places, particularly east of North Point and along Johnston Road. Relaying of one or both tracks will be necessary in these areas to accommodate the new cars. However, much of the track is currently in poor condition and a large relaying programme was planned by Hong Kong Tramways even for continued operation of the existing trans. The existing tracks in Catchick Street at Kennedy Town are too closely spaced for wider vehicles and the narrow street width limits the possibilities of widening. This was one of several factors leading to the recommendation that the LRV's should not operate in regular service beyond Whitty Street.
The possibility of adopting a vehicle wider than 2.3m had been explored in Option C and was considered further at this stage. One possibility is the laying of a third rail at standard gauge along all the tramway. Maintaining the same clearances between cars, it would then be possible to operate standard gauge cars 2.65m wide. Whilst having attractions in terms of increased capacity, this concept is not recommended on account of the extensive track relaying programme that would be necessary and
87