1975-1976 — Page 10

23.

In order to reduce overcrowding on trains during the peak period 14 pre-war coaches that had been withdrawn from the fleet were returned to service after being refurbished. These coaches were used for running special trains at peak periods on weekdays and for lengthening trains on public holidays when overcrowding on trains is most severe.

24.

A contract was let towards the end of the year for the installa- tion of air-conditioning on four first-class coaches. The work is expected to be completed in December, 1976. If there is sufficient demand for this service, more coaches will be air-conditioned in future. A supplementary fare of $1 will be charged for any distance.

25.

Other projects under review include the remodelling of Mong Kok and Sha Tin Stations, the building of a loop line to the proposed new race course at Sha Tin and improvements to Sheung Shui Station including the construction of a loop line for trains to pass one another.

26.

Further planning activity was carried out during the year on the following projects which form part of a $1,389.90 million investment programme for K.C.R. :-

27.

(a) Electrification of the whole line.

(b) Building a second tunnel through Beacon Hill as part of

double tracking the line to Sha Tin.

(c) (i) a line to the container terminal at Kwai Chung;

(ii) a line from Tai Po to Tuen Mun;

(iii) a line to the planned industrial estate at Tai Po. (d) Provision of additional stations at Hong Lok Yuen,

Tai Wai, Fo Tan and Kowloon Tong.

Personnel of Transportation Projects Ltd. of the United Kingdom and Sofrerail, France visited the railway and both carried out studies of

The reports were the prospects for extending and modernising the railway. discussed with the Colonial Secretariat and as a result consideration is being given to the employment of consultants to study the technical and economic feasibility of the railway's investment programme, including a study of an underground extension to Tsim Sha Tsui for the benefit of Central bound passengers who would otherwise have to change to the proposed Mass Transit Railway Corporation's System at the interchange station of Kowloon Tong and thus pay a higher fare together with the inconvenience of

The the interchange or disembark at Hung Hom and change to the Star Ferry. latter option would mean additional waiting time for a ferry from Hung Hom to Central, and a long walk from the Kowloon Railway Station to the ferry pier. With the line to Tsim Sha Tsui, passengers destined for Central would be able to cross the harbour by the Star Ferry's Tsim Sha Tsui to Central service which is about 8 minutes shorter in travelling time than the Hung Hom to Central route or by trains on the Modified Initial System of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation.

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