Si
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-3 February 1988
717
ram) to the terminal where everyone gets down and turns the streetcaround. It is fun for the tourists and it also shows the spirit of co-operation of the local people. It so happens that one of these streetcars is now in Hong Kong for an exhibition.
The increased fare will, of course, not affect the local citizen on their regular trips to work and shopping, unless they wish, for nostalgic reasons, turn the time machine back and go on one of these modified trams with brass railings and ride back into the last century.
As to the normal tram services mentioned by the Secretary for Transport on the introduction of this Bill, the joint efforts of the Hong Kong Tramways Ltd. and the Government have greatly improved these services in recent years. Some of the good points of our tram services relevant to this Bill which are enjoyed by tourists and Hong Kong people alike are as follows:
(1) A double-decker tram has a much higher passenger carrying capacity
than a double-decker bus.
(2) It has the highest road safety records when compared with all the other
modes of public transport.
(3) It does not pollute the air we breathe. (4) It is durable and is easier to maintain.
(5) Its speed is adequate as 50 km is the permitted speed within the urban areas served by the tramway which contributes to a safe, smooth and comfortable ride.
(6) Its fare is the lowest amongst public transport, at HK$60 cents or US$0.077 cents. This is a social safety net for the less privileged working class, aged and retired, who can travel on the six overlapping routes of over 30 km on such a low rate.
(7) It is well maintained and has an attractive appearance covered with
colourful advertisement galore.
(8) It is supporting the traffic safety campaign by gradually shifting their
tram stops near to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
(9) It is a more efficient user of energy than motor vehicles.
With these observations, Sir, I support the motion and hope that this may help to prolong the stay of tourists in Hong Kong.
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT: Sir, I wish to thank Mr. CHAN for his support of the motion and for his very helpful comments.
I wish to stress, Sir, that while the Bill enables tram services as a form of tourist attraction to be regularised, there is, at the same time, sufficient guarantee in the Bill to ensure that the services to tourists will in no way affect the tramways' normal services to the general public.
Question put and agreed to.