investigations into the Mass Transit Railway scheme, completed their studies and submitted their five-volume report to Government.
9.98. The recommended system contained a number of amendments to the former proposals and comprised a 48 station, 32.7 mile network of three lines, one of which was served by two branch lines. Stations of the central platform type were designed to serve the very high passenger volumes expected from the wide 8-coach trains travelling at 2 minute headways.
9.99. The examination and evaluation of all aspects of the Consultants' recommendations continued and the design and calculation of the co-ordinated route alignment plans commenced. By the end of the year, 61 route plans had been prepared, of which 44 were issued.
9.100. In order to prevent the frustration of the railway scheme, all public and private development proposals which affected the Mass Transit proposals were examined and recommendations made to resolve any conflict. During the year 195 development proposals were processed.
STAFF, TRAINING AND WELFARE
Staff
9.101. There were unfilled vacancies in both the professional and assistant professional staff grades throughout the year, although 9 engineers, 8 recruited overseas, were appointed whilst 4 apprentice engineers were promoted to the assistant professional grade.
9.102. 37 members of the staff retired during the year, 24 of whom had over 20 years service.
Training
9.103. Two officers returned to duty after completing a one-year course of study overseas and another after a six month attachment to a U.S. traffic consultant. 3 other officers proceeded on study leave to undertake training courses in the U.K.
9.104. A comprehensive course on the fundamentals of traffic engineering was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Extra-mural Studies of the University of Hong Kong. A short course in traffic studies was arranged with the Hong Kong Technical College.
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