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COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT
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The government is working with the two major bus companies - the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited and the China Motor Bus Company Limited to achieve a significant improvement in both the quality and quantity of buses on the road. In early 1979, the government carried out a thorough review of the operations of the bus companies. After its findings were submitted to the Executive Council, the Governor in Council said that agreement should be reached with the companies in the main problem areas of bus purchasing programmes; depot facilities; maintenance and the safety of buses; and driver standards and working conditions.
Development proposals for outlying Lantau Island are being studied to ensure the close co-ordination between them and a possible fixed road crossing with the mainland. Con- sultants appointed by the government recommended in 1979 that three bridges should link Lantau to the New Territories' industrial centre of Tsuen Wan, via the islands of Tsing Yi and Ma Wan.
The Cross Harbour Tunnel, which opened in 1972, has had a dramatic effect on travel patterns in Hong Kong. But, with 88,000 vehicles using it daily, the tunnel is reaching its capacity and a major planning study is under way to consider whether additional cross- harbour facilities should be provided.
Public Transport
Probably no country can equal the intensity, productivity and diversity of Hong Kong's public transport system. The comprehensive range of transport services available includes some 2,770 franchised buses and coaches of which approximately 82 per cent are double- deckers, 4,350 minibuses, 8,762 taxis, 163 double-deck trams with 20 single-deck trailers, 92 ferry vessels, a funicular cable tramway ascending one of the world's steepest gradients, diesel-hauled trains of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section), an aerial cable-car system, and the Mass Transit Railway. Traffic figures for the various transport modes are detailed in Appendix 36.
Buses E
The government awards franchises on a route basis to three bus companies which together carry an average of 3.3 million passengers a day.
The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited operates 194 franchised bus routes in Kowloon and the New Territories (including 11 feeder routes to Mass Transit Railway stations), carrying an average of 2.56 million passengers daily. It has a fleet of 1,867 vehicles which comprise 1,436 double-deck buses, 329 single-deck buses and 102 single-deck coaches. New double-deckers ordered and in use include buses able to carry 120 passengers, which are fitted with retarders to enhance safety on steep gradients. Fares are charged according to route distance and range from 20 cents to $1.50. A higher scale of fares applies to coach services. There are 16 express coach routes, including two serving Hong Kong International Airport, Kai Tak. All coach services offer a guaranteed seat and are intended to serve as an alternative to the private car. In 1979, the fleet travelled 113 million kilometres.
The China Motor Bus Company Limited operates 81 bus routes on Hong Kong Island. The company carries an average of 750,000 passengers daily, using 840 double-deck buses, all of which are one-man operated. An exact fare system is adopted, ranging from 30 cents to $1.50. The company's total carrying capacity increased during 1979 following the entry into service of 39 double-deck buses, each able to carry 146 passengers. The company also operates 72-seater double-deck coaches which aim to provide a comfortable alternative to private cars.