ENG-1975 — Page 196

COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT

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outlying islands. It has a fleet of 88 vessels-12 vehicular ferries, eight triple-deck passenger ferries, 40 double-deck ferries, 24 water buses and water taxis, and four hoverferries. Their total carrying capacity is 48,416 people and 570 vehicles. The fleet was expanded during the year with six additional vessels. There were eight new services introduced, including seven to the New Territories and outlying islands mainly for re- creational traffic. The experimental hoverferry service between Central and Tsuen Wan has proved popular with commuters since its introduction in December 1974. On certain routes, passengers now have a choice between hoverferry or conventional ferry services at different fares reflecting the value of time saving. In 1975 the cross- harbour services carried 128.3 million passengers, 7.9 per cent less than the previous year. The New Territories and outlying islands services carried 15.4 million passengers, an increase of 9.2 per cent. The two vehicular ferry routes carried 3.5 million vehicles and 6.6 million passengers during the year.

The Star Ferry Company provides a passenger ferry service across the harbour between Edinburgh Place and Tsim Sha Tsui. In 1975 the company's fleet of 10 vessels carried 53.2 million passengers, compared with 50.4 million the previous year. Approval was given for fares to be increased on December 1, the new rates being: first class, adults 30 cents (previously 25 cents) and children 20 cents (10 cents); second class, adults and children 15 cents (10 cents); and monthly tickets, adults $12 ($10) and children $6 ($4).

During the year the company completed its plans for resuming a second ferry service between Edinburgh Place and Hung Hom, to serve the new terminus of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, and the service began on November 30.

Taxis and Public Hire Cars

There are 4,754 licensed taxis which operate at a standard fare of $2 for the first mile and 20 cents for each subsequent fifth of a mile. They carry an estimated 563,000 passengers a day. Taxi operators were provided with more overnight off-street parking facilities as from January when the government allowed them to make use of its multi-storey and temporary open-air car parks between 10 pm and 8 am. By the end of the year, arrangements for introducing taxis specifically for the rural areas of the New Territories were well advanced.

Public hire cars are available for hire only on a pre-arranged basis, with the charges being negotiated between the hirer and the operator. On December 31 there were 1,283 licensed public hire cars, many of which were owned by hotels for the exclusive use of their guests.

Transport Administration

A government-appointed Transport Advisory Committee advises the Governor in Council on broad issues of transport policy, with a view to improving the movement of people and freight. The Transport Department is the statutory authority responsible for planning and regulating public transport services. Its wide range of duties also covers vehicle licensing, driving tests, vehicle inspections, and statutory functions