1975-1976 — Page 11

28.

An investment programme and strategy papers on the passenger, freight, and personnel functions drawn up the previous year to show the planned expansion of K.C.R. were updated and incorporated into a Corporate Plan. The plan shows the likely trend in freight and passenger demands on the railway in the next decade and describes the expansion needed to cope with the demands. It deals with the short, medium, and long term development needs of the railway.

29.

A start was made during the year on a revision of the existing Staff Rule Book which had remained virtually unchanged since last revised in 1946. When completed, the Book will consist of two volumes, one on

To General Railway Rules and the other on Operating Railway Rules. facilitate future amendments, the book will be printed in loose leaf form, bound in plastic covers and of a size which will enable it to be carried in a breast pocket for the benefit of outdoor staff who might need to refer to it in the course of their duty.

30.

The Railway continued to take part in discussions on the Comprehensive Transport Study which was set up to report on the future transport requirements of Hong Kong. The efforts made in the previous year to improve communications with and facilities for the public continued. As part of this programme, trials were carried out with a chemical toilet for installation on coaches. If successful, consideration will be given to installing toilets in more coaches. Investigation proceeded with the object of developing a Public Address System on trains which would be sponsored by advertising.

31.

The management information and quarterly financial forecasting systems introduced in the previous year were maintained to monitor trends but will require further refinement to improve their effectiveness and facilitate greater personal accountability.

32.

Apart from the passage of typhoon Elsie over Hong Kong on 14th October, 1975 there was no major disruption to train movement during the year. To enable a speeder resumption of train service after the passage of a typhoon, a new procedure was introduced for patrolling the line after the suspension of traffic as a result of the hoisting of No. 8 or higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal. In future when train services are suspended because of the passage of a typhoon, a locomotive will continu- ously patrol the line so that any obstruction caused by a landslide or fallen objects could be detected at the earliest opportunity, thereby making it possible for clearance work to be carried out as soon as it is safe to do so.

TRAFFIC

33.

Traffic earnings increased by $6,690,885 (23.32%) in comparison with the previous year. Recent trends are shown below :-

1972/73 $20,558,310

1973/74

$21,996,433

1974/75 $28,688,809

1975/76 $35,379,694

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