1972
MASS TRANSIT DEPARTMENT
Director of Mass Transit Studies:
A. H. WILKINS, B.Sc. (Eng.), C.Eng., F.I.C.E., F.E.D.I., F.C.I.T., M.I.T.E. (Acting)
General
Government Mass Transit Engineer:
S. A. BARDEN, B.Sc. (Eng.) (Hons.), C.Eng., M.I.C.E., M.I.T.E.
10.01
The Mass Transit Department is responsible for all matters concerning the Mass Transit Railway system. Its primary function is to examine and evaluate the work of the Consulting Engineers and to direct their activities after ensuring that all aspects of this project are based on sound engineering concepts and are entirely appropriate for the circumstances. In addition, the department is responsible for co-ordinating all Government activities and public works associated with the Mass Transit Railway project and for examining all public and private development affected by the scheme to ensure that there is no conflict with the Mass Transit programme. The department is also responsible for co-ordination and liaison duties in respect of the Cross Harbour Tunnel project, the Tunnel Road Connections and other ancillary schemes linked to the Cross Harbour Tunnel.
10.02 The department has a total establishment of 37 in 16 different grades.
10.03 In June Government approved in principle the Mass Transit Railway system subject to satisfactory financial, contractual and operational arrangements being made. Thereafter, international invitations were issued to all interested parties to submit proposals for financing, constructing and/or operating the railway, as a result of which Government decided, in February, to proceed immediately with the first four stages of the project subject to a decision on whether construction was to be carried out under single contract or under a series of separate contracts. Government also announced that the operation of the Mass Transit Railway would be entrusted to a public corporation to be established under a special ordinance.
Investigations and Design
10.04 In July 1972 the Consulting Engineers, Messrs. Freeman Fox & Partners (Far East) were re-appointed to investigate fully the sub-soil conditions, arrange for accurate surveys to be carried out and prepare
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