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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
The Peak Tramway, operated by the Peak Tramways Co., Ltd., was opened for traffic in May 1888, and was then known as the Hong Kong High Level Tramway. With a lower terminus situated at the lower portion of Garden Road and a Peak terminus at Victoria Gap, this means of transport has provided, almost without interruption for over sixty years, a reliable funicular service. 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 on the steepest part of the track.
During 1957 the Company introduced into service a new type of car constructed throughout of aluminium alloy with an increased carrying capacity of ten passengers, bringing the total number carried in this type of car to 72 passengers. This enables the Company to carry passengers to and from the Peak at the rate of approximately 1,000 an hour.
During 1957 the Company carried 1,900,000 passengers. Bus Services. The China Motor Bus Co., Ltd., which maintains the bus services on the Island, increased its scale of operations during the year, covering more miles (8,400,000) and carrying more passengers (71,000,000) than in any similar period. Forty-four new buses were licensed, whilst a number of vehicles due for replacement were with- drawn from service. At the end of the year the Company's fleet comprised 219 diesel-engined buses and two coaches. Some 40 new vehicles were on order or in the course of delivery.
The construction of the Company's new headquarters and maintenance depot at North Point had been almost com- pleted by December at a cost of over $1,800,000, excluding equipment. In view of the difficulty of finding sufficient land for the garaging of vehicles at night, the stores department, machine shops, and component overhaul sections have been