TNAG-0770-FCO40-974-Construction-of-underground-railway-system-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 159

5.14

Electrification System The new LRV's will necessitate modi-

fications to the power supply system, largely to cater for

the increased power requirements of the new high performance vehicles. At the same time, it would be worthwhile to

increase the overhead line voltage to 750 volts d.c. in

order to increase the power output of the traction motors

without increasing their size and to reduce voltage drop

and power losses in the overhead line. The overhead wiring would also be modified for pantograph (rather than trolley pole) current collection. Pantographs cannot be dewired (which would be dangerous in tunnels), can take much higher

currents from the overhead wire and do not need to be turned

when reversing. Changes of this type would also have been necessary for modern tramway operation, and were included. in the HKT upgrading proposals.

Implementation of LRT in 1981

5.15

5.16

5.17

Prior to the introduction of new services, the LRV's would be operated (out of revenue service) on proving runs. At

the beginning of 1981 they would take over the entire operation and all the existing trams will be withdrawn.

From the start, they will operate with a new fare system,

which is discussed in Appendix A clearly trials of such a

system, before 1981, would be desirable. Light Rail Vehicles

would initially operate singly providing a peak hour frequency

of 60 cars per hour.

With the Sharp Street depot no longer in use, it would be

appropriate at this stage to eliminate the tram junctions

between Hennessy Road and both Tin Lok Lane and Percival

Street,

close the Happy Valley tram route and Sharp

This will create a considerable

improvement in traffic conditions in this area.

Street Depot.

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