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COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT
1982. Work on the other stations have started with those at Mong Kok and Sha Tin already taking shape.
In tandem with double-tracking, a highly sophisticated signalling system and a modern telecommunications network will be installed. The signalling system will be centrally controlled from the Kowloon terminus.
Safety along the railway is being improved by fencing-in the entire line and this is expected to be completed before the opening of the high-frequency services in late 1982. In addition, subways and overhead footbridges will be provided at frequent intervals.
Although KCR at present operates an anarchronistic fleet of only 12 diesel-electric locomotives and 96 coaches, it carried 16 138 857 passengers during 1981. It also transport- ed 1 772 625 tonnes of freight and 2 166 275 head of livestock.
The two express 'through' trains between Kowloon and Guangzhou continued to prove extremely popular and were fully booked both ways during the year.
The first phase of electrified service between Kowloon and Sha Tin (inner suburban route) is expected to be introduced in the spring of 1982 with full electrification of the line up to the border town of Lo Wu (outer suburban route) by the end of 1982.
Road Tunnels
Because of the topography of Hong Kong, tunnelling is often the cheapest means of providing direct and adequate road capacity between populated areas. The Lion Rock Tunnel was opend in 1967 to cater for the movement of people and goods by road between the growing new town of Sha Tin and Kowloon. This tunnel, which is managed by the Transport Department, operated as a single tube facility until 1978 when construction of the second tube was completed and, together with enlarged approach roads, brought into use. A three-class toll ($1, $1.50 and $2) is charged and utilisation has grown from a daily average of 5 000 vehicles in 1968 to 45 427 in 1981.
Two other twin-tube tunnels, the Aberdeen Tunnel and the Airport Tunnel are under construction by the Public Works Department. The Aberdeen Tunnel provides a road link from the south to the north side of Hong Kong Island while the Airport Tunnel passes under the runway of Hong Kong International Airport and improves road communication between Kwun Tong and the central areas of Kowloon. Both tunnels are expected to become fully operational in early 1982.
Hong Kong Island is linked to Kowloon by the twin-tube Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Constructed on the immersed tube principle, this toll facility is managed by the Cross- Harbour Tunnel Company Limited. An eight-class toll, ranging from $2 for motor cycles up to $20 for goods vehicles over five tons, is charged. In 1981, more than 105 800 vehicles a day used the tunnel. This figure is in excess of the theoretical capacity and severe traffic congestion is now a daily occurence. Consultants appointed by the government to investigate ways to increase road capacity across the harbour have submitted a report which proposes three possible alternative crossings.
Transport Administration
The Governor-in-Council is advised on transport policy issues by the government- appointed Transport Advisory Committee, comprising 11 unofficial and seven official members.
In September, 1981, following a re-organisation of responsibilities within the Govern- ment Secretariat, a new Transport Branch was formed headed by a Secretary for Transport who is responsible to the Governor (through the Chief Secretary) for all transport matters.