TRANSPORT
242
To help drivers judge a safe driving distance, a chevron scheme was put on trial in July 1996 for one year. It will be assessed in 1997.
The seat belt legislation has been revised. From June 1, 1996, rear seat passengers in private cars are required to wear seat belts if fitted. New legislation was also passed in the same month requiring seat belts to be fitted to the driver's seat of all buses.
The Transport Department conducted a comprehensive review with a public opinion survey on school bus safety. A set of improvement measures were formulated. It included the provision of an escort on school buses carrying primary and kindergarten pupils, tightening of licensing conditions for nanny vans, installation of warning devices at doors and a public announcement system, a new colour scheme for nanny vans to make them more conspicuous, and additional warning signs at the rear of buses. In addition, the department will encourage the setting up of School Bus Service Committees in schools and establishing designated school bus stops in public housing estates.
Road safety campaigns continue to play an important role in reducing traffic accidents. The major theme in 1996 was 'pedestrian safety'. Posters and radio and television announcements were produced to advise the public to fit and wear rear seat belts in private cars. The folly of drink-driving was continuously publicised throughout the year.
At year's end, 246 student road safety patrol teams of the Road Safety Association and 316 school staff crossing patrols served in 553 schools to ensure children's safety on their way to and from school. The Road Safety Council, an advisory body, continues to co-ordinate all road safety matters in the territory.
Public Transport
Rail, ferry, bus and other transport services offer Hong Kong commuters a good range of choices at reasonable fares and different levels of comfort, speed and convenience.
Railways
The five rail systems include a heavily-utilised mass transit system, a busy suburban railway, a modern light railway, a traditional street tramway and the Peak funicular railway. The first three rail systems are operated by public corporations, wholly- owned by the government. Private operators own the others.
Mass Transit Railway
The Mass Transit Railway Corporation operates a three-line metro system comprising 43.2 route-kilometres with 38 stations, served by a fleet of 759 cars operating in eight-car trains. The system was opened in stages between October 1979 and August 1989. Patronage increased slightly during the year and by the year's end, the railway was carrying 2.4 million passengers a day. It is one of the busiest underground railways in the world. Adult fares ranged from $4 to $12.50 per trip according to distances travelled.
Construction of the Airport Railway is progressing to programme. When opened for traffic in mid-1998, it will have a dedicated express service linking the new airport at Chek Lap Kok to Hong Kong Station at Central; and a separate domestic service between Lantau Island and Central, with stations at Tung Chung, Tsing Yi, Lai