1976-1977 — Page 10

from Sheung Shui to Tuen Mun;

a duplicate route from Kowloon to Sha Tin.

The study was expected to be completed in September, 1977, and a full report of the findings, together with the recommendations presented to Government before the end of 1977.

22.

Two new locomotives of 2,000 horse power and a spare locomotive bogie ordered from the General Motors Corporation of the United States of America in the previous year arrived in March. The two locomotives were designed for fast acceleration and multiple unit operation. They have larger fuel tanks and a more comfortable cab. The spare bogie was to help to in- crease the availability of locomotives by reducing the time a locomotive was out of use due to defective bogie.

23.

Air conditioning was installed in four first-class coaches during the year and entered service in February, 1977. A supplementary fare of $1.00 is charged for a journey irrespective of the distance travelled. It is intended to convert another four in the 1977/78 financial year to help fully test the commercial attractiveness of air conditioning by enabling each train to have an air conditioned coach.

24.

To help prevent passengers from boarding a train at the last moment with a possible risk of accident, train departure signals were in- troduced at Mong Kok and Fanling Stations in October, 1976 on an experimental basis. Thirty seconds before a train departs a series of bleeps are sounded over the public address system to warn passengers of the impending departure of the train. If the system proves successful, it will be extended to other stations.

25.

In order to implement new investment more efficiently and improve the proficiency of management, several new posts were submitted to the Government Secretariat for approval. The object is to enhance pro- fessional ability and personal accountability and provide a level of manage- ment more removed from involvement in the day-to-day control of railway operations so that greater attention can be given to planning and policy formulation.

26.

The Government has agreed to two posts of Assistant General Manager, a Training Manager, Marketing Officer, Project Manager and Development Engineer. Further posts of Assistant General Manager (Technical) and Senior (Civil) Engineer are under consideration. An Assistant Depart- mental Secretary was also provided, on a temporary basis, to assist in the increasing volume of personnel matters.

27.

The structure of the railway grades needs modification to suit the expected modernization of the railway, to improve versatility and remove some anomalies between grades due to changing work loads and wage inequities. Proposals have been submitted to the Government Secretariat and these will be discussed with the Trades Union before implementation.

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