1956-1957 — Page 10

service during the year.

Train punctuality has shown improve-

ment and is now considered satisfactory.

Trains on time

Trains delayed for less than 5 minutes Trains delayed for 5 minutes and over..

Total No. of passenger trains run..

No. of scheduled

passenger trains.

Percentage.

5,698

70.19

1,752

21.58

668

8.23

8,118

100.00

31. In addition the number and types of special trains run during the 12 months were as under:

Up.

Down.

Total.

Goods (loaded)

5

547

552

Goods (empty)

324

324

Passenger

157

129

286

Military

15

15

30

Shuttle trains

9

9

18

Ballast trains

64

64

128

574

764

1,338

32.

With effect from May 20th, 1956, the train services in the morning were slightly amended. The train leaving Lowu at 7.33 hours and arriving at Kowloon terminus at 8.30 hours was cancelled. This was both a safety and an economy measure arising out of the policy of replacing the austerity steam loco- motives by the new diesel-electric locomotives for all passenger services.

33. Fares and Rates. There was no revision of fares and rates except for the introduction on March 1st, 1957, of a new series of scholar tickets at $48 per period of 6 months. This ticket allows travel on all scheduled trains and during school holidays. The previous scholars ticket costing $36 and valid only for certain specified trains and only during school terms, continued to be issued.

34. Accidents. Two major accidents happened this year. The first was the boiler explosion on April 27th.

35. The second occurred at Kowloon station yard on the evening of December 15th, 1956 when a second class coach No. 200 became derailed pushing down a signal gantry which, in falling, damaged the body work of the coach. The approximate cost of repairs amounted to $141,650. There were no casualties.

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