11.
The new Terminal, although providing the Railway with more modern facilities, costs considerably more to operate and maintain than the old one. In addition, the podium and platforms require more lighting and electricity consumption is higher. Unlike the old terminal it also includes
a bus interchange and a multi-storey car park.
12.
Maximum use was made of available space in the Terminal to earn revenue to offset the higher operating cost. Apart from renting out shop
and advertising spaces, the southern concourse, which was seldom used except during festivals when passenger traffic was particularly heavy, was leased out on occasions for exhibitions, starting from the beginning of 1976 at a daily rent of $1,000.
13.
Coincident with the removal of the terminal, the daily number of passenger trains was increased from 18 to 20 each way and the journey time of trains extended by 3 minutes to give the smaller locomotives the opportunity to achieve punctual operation. As a result, the overall punctuality of trains was improved with over 80% arriving at destination within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. With the employment of train controllers, the situation will improve further and is expected to exceed 90%
14.
The one ton brass bell that was once installed in the clock tower of the old terminal was removed to the new terminal and placed in the concourse for public viewing on 30th January, 1976, which was the eve of the lunar year of the dragon. This auspicious day was specially chosen to symbolize the departure of the old and the coming of the new terminal.
15.
In order to cope with the future level of passenger traffic using the new terminal as the population of Sha Tin new town increases, the Sha Tin race course opens and double tracking is complete, an order was placed during the year for the purchase of six power operated ticket printing and
When issuing machines for the Booking Office of the new terminal. installed, each machine will be able to issue almost twice the number of pre-printed tickets sold manually by an officer within the same period. The higher issuing rate of these machines will reduce considerably the waiting time in buying tickets at peak travelling periods and on holidays when passenger traffic is particularly heavy.
16.
Work on double tracking the line from Hung Hom to Sha Tin
It will continued during the year and is expected to be completed in 1977. not, however, be fully operational until colour light signalling has been installed in 1978.
17.
The whole of the line, with the exception of the section between University and Tai Po Kau Stations and at Kowloon Station, is equipped with a mechanically operated signalling system, which is inadequate for the high train frequency now operated. When train operation is increased with the introduction of double tracking, the existing signalling system will not meet the traffic needs and Government has approved the installation of a colour light signalling system compatible with the double tracking of
3