1972-1973 — Page 8

project are the re-building of Mong Kok and Sha Tin Stations, pro- vision of signalling equipment for the tunnel section and construction of a spur line from the Railway Workshops in Ho Tung Lau to the race course site in Sha Tin. The feasibility of extending the double track to Tai Po Market and constructing a second railway tunnel between Kowloon Tong and Sha Tin is now under consideration.

10. Work continued throughout the year on the construction of a new terminal railway station at Hung Hom which will replace the present terminus at Tsim Sha Tsui.

11. In October 1972, a Steering Group, comprising representatives of the Government Departments involved, was formed to examine and suggest both short term and long term improvements to the railway services. A number of immediate recommendations such as improve- ments to Lo Wu Station were implemented and the examination of several other improvements continued. As part of the Comprehensive Transport Study, the future role of the railway passenger and freight services is being examined, and a detailed report is expected next year.

TRAFFIC

12. Traffic earnings for the year under review amounted to $20,558,310 showing an increase of $2,413,701 over the previous year.

Comparative figures are shown below:

1969-70 $15,099,803

1970-71

$15,424,655

1971-72

$18,144,609

1972-73 $20,558,310

13. Passenger Traffic. Local passenger journeys increased by 8.27% while the number of passengers visiting China rose by 24.70%.

14. On Ching Ming Festival Day, 5th April, 1972, and Chung Yeung Festival Day, 15th October, 1972, 31 and 26 special trains respectively, in addition to the daily normal service of 34 trains, were run to facilitate visits to the cemeteries at Wo Hop Shek and Sandy Ridge. 102,222 and 75,205 passengers respectively (excluding season and monthly ticket holders) were carried on those two days.

15. On Dragon Boat Festival Day, 15th June, 1972, 21 special trains were added to the normal daily service to transport spectators to the boat races held in the New Territories. 36,113 passengers were carried on that day.

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