1968-1969 — Page 7

7. Difficulties have been experienced during the past few years in handling the increasing number of passengers, particularly during rush periods and holidays, and it is apparent that the traffic has reached the maximum that can be carried by a single line with the existing rolling stock. The growth of population in the New Territories and the antic- ipated increase in goods traffic are bound to create further problems, and with a view to providing better facilities, discussions proceeded during the year with the Commissioner for Transport on the possibility of double tracking the railway between Kowloon and Sha Tin and the purchase of additional locomotives and carriages.

8. The new Railway Workshops at Ho Tung Lau, Sha Tin, the new running shed and the temporary carriage washing shed at Hung Hom were completed and brought into operation in the early part of the year.

9. Following a decision to proceed with the resiting of the Railway Terminus from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom, detailed planning was undertaken during the year to effect the removal.

10. To improve the booking facilities at the Kowloon Terminus, a 'Speed Model' SELF PRINTING ticket and issuing machine manu- factured by Messrs. Bell Punch Company Ltd., London, was installed in the booking office of this busy terminus in May, 1968. This machine has worked successfully throughout the year.

11. The name of Yau Ma Tei Railway Station was changed to 'Mong Kok' on 31st December, 1968. The occasion was marked by a simple ceremony which was attended by the leading members of the Mong Kok district, Government officials and other guests.

TRAFFIC

12. Traffic earnings for the year under review amounted to $14,218,032 showing an increase of 20.87% over the previous year.

Comparative figures are shown below:

1966-67

$15,440,632

1967-68

$11,763,333

1968-69

Increase (1968-69 against

1967-68)

$14,218,032

$2,454,699

13. Passenger Traffic. Local and non-local passenger journeys increased by 3.72% and 7.92% respectively. The increase in the latter case was mainly due to the very much improved conditions in China.

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