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built locally as an experiment. This car, while being substantially similar in external dimensions to the older cars, is of more modern appearance. It is based on an all welded steel underframe and bulk heads and includes air operated entrance doors, step lights and other safety features.
The fare structure is upon a flat-rate basis for any distance over any route-the maximum of which is 634 miles of 20 cents (2 pence) 1st class, and 10 cents (11⁄2 pence) 3rd class. The Company also issues Monthly Tickets and concession fares are given to children, scholars and Service personnel.
The Peak Tramway was opened for traffic as far back as in May, 1888; it was, then known as the Hong Kong High Level Tramway. With the lower terminus situated at the lower portion of Garden Road and the Peak terminus at Victoria Gap, this means of transportation has provided almost without interruption for over sixty years one of the safest and the most efficient funicular services in the world. Until motor roads were opened in 1924, it was the only means of transport to the Peak. The cars are operated by a modern electric haulage plant and incorporate safety features which make it possible for a car to come to a halt within eight feet of the application of automatic brakes on the steepest gradient of the track.
Traffic figures have grown from 732,000 passengers travelling in 1946 to over a million in 1949. This was largely due to two transient factors; rehabilitation of damaged properties in mid-level districts causing workmen to travel, and lately, to the influx of inhabitants from China. Regular patrons travelling at standard monthly rates maintain the same level as pre-war.
An all metal body car is in the course of construction and it is hoped will be put in service in February 1950. It will be the first of its type to be used in funicular railways. Built of an aluminium alloy, it is stronger and lighter and imposes less strain on the haulage system. It also possesses the advantage of being able to carry additional passengers. It is expected that all future replacements of wooden-bodied cars will be of this type of construction.
Bus Services
Bus services are maintained on the Island by the China Motor Bus Co., Ltd. and on the Mainland by the Kowloon Motor Bus Company. In November a service was introduced between the new ferry pier at Tonnochy Road in Wanchai and Aldrich Street in Shaukiwan while another service was directed to call at the new pier and
at the new pier and was extended to
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