13.
Work on the construction of the new Racecourse Station in Sha Tin had to be carried out at a very fast pace during the year to coincide with the opening of the new Racecourse Station in September 1978.
14.
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Improvement works at Sheung Shui Station were also put in hand. They include the building of a loop line, a signal cabin, an additional platform and a footbridge connecting the two platforms. When these works are completed in February 1979, trains will be able to pass each other at Sheung Shui Station and help to improve punctuality.
15.
On
Work on the remodelling of Sha Tin Station commenced in November 1977. When completed in 1980, the new station will have 4 passenger platforms connected to a concourse at podium level. A bus terminus will be built adjoining the concourse. A two-storey pedestrian footbridge with retail shops will connect the station with the new town centre across the trunk road. top of the station concourse there will be a floor with retail facilities while further upward an office block is proposed to be constructed. There will also be a small goods yard with 2 sidings to serve the Sha Tin new town.
16.
Planning work for the redevelopment of Mong Kok Station was also actively progressed. Though the detailed plans had not been finalised, it is expected to be similar to Sha Tin Station with a station concourse at podium level and development around and above. Work on Phase I of the project Reconstruction of Railway Bridge No. 7 over Argyle Street - already started in December 1977. The new bridge will have 3 tracks, two being the running lines and one as a shunting neck for access to the new goods yard at Mong Kok. To make way for the implementation of the project, unloading activities at Mong Kok were temporarily transferred to the goods yard at Ho Man Tin in October 1977.
17.
On 6th March, 1978, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, accompanied by His Excellency the Acting Governor Sir Denys Roberts, officiated at the opening ceremony of the industrial exhibition held by the British Trade Commission at the southern concourse of Kowloon Station.
TRAFFIC
18.
Traffic earnings increased by 16.80% in comparison with the previous year as shown below :-
1976/77
$34,701,828
1977/78
$40,530,614
Passenger Traffic
19.
Local passenger journeys increased by 17.51% and international passenger journeys by 26.32%. In the case of the former, the increase was due mainly to increased train frequency; improved connecting public transport services at Kowloon Station and population growth along the railway corridor in the New Territories. As to the latter, the increase is thought to be mainly attributable to the improved relationship with China.
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