ENG-1982 — Page 245

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TRANSPORT

number of traffic management schemes, including bus-only lanes, with the objective of reducing bus journey times.

A review of the operations of the two bus companies, initiated after the fare increases in April 1981, was completed in June 1982. The review, which was carried out by the government with public participation, examined the cost effectiveness of the companies' operations including bus depot and maintenance requirements, route development and economy measures, and the profit control schemes.

On Lantau Island, the New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) operates a fleet of 61 buses over six franchised routes which, during 1982, carried an average of 7 500 passengers each weekday. Recreational demand increased this figure to an average of 17 000 on Sundays and public holidays. To cope with the peak demand, the company increased its double-deck fleet from six to eight in 1982. Weekday fares range from 50 cents to $4 with a higher fare, ranging from $1 to $6, on Sundays and public holidays.

Franchised bus services are supplemented by a fleet of 2 115 non-franchised public buses which are operated for hire on a contract basis, as well as private buses operated by private housing or factories. A new type of residential coach service was introduced during the year by public omnibuses operating under licences granted by the Transport Department. These services operate from residential areas which do not have adequate access to public transport and thus provide a supplementary service to franchised bus operations. They are generally restricted to peak-hours with limited stopping points. During the year, 15 such licences were granted.

Minibuses

The size of the public light bus (PLB) fleet has been fixed at 4 350 since May 1976. In 1982, these 14-seater minibuses carried an estimated 1.5 million passengers a day._PLBs are authorised under the Road Traffic Ordinance to carry passengers at separate fares. There is no control on fares charged and there are no fixed routes. The service is popular with passengers who are prepared to pay higher fares for a quicker, more direct or more comfortable service with the added advantage of being able to stop anywhere along the route. PLBs, however, contribute to congestion as they tend to concentrate on the main bus and tram corridors, delaying the high capacity carriers by their frequent stops.

Expansion of the 'maxicab' scheme continued in 1982, with PLBs converting to fixed routes and fares under the control of the Transport Department to serve areas of particular need. By the end of 1982, 88 'maxicab' routes utilising 580 PLBs were in operation throughout the territory, carrying about 190 000 passengers daily.

The opening of the MTR Tsuen Wan Extension produced a considerable drop in passenger demand on PLB routes which parallel the MTR. These have now been generally rationalised.

A fleet of 1 318 private light buses is also maintained by schools, private developments and commercial enterprises for their own needs.

Trams

The history of the tram service in Hong Kong dates back to 1904. Since then, Hong Kong Tramways Limited has been operating a tram service on five overlapping routes over 30 kilometres of track along the densely populated north shore of Hong Kong Island. During 1982, the fleet of 163 double-deck tramcars and 20 single-deck trailers carried a daily average of 390 000 passengers. In May, the 20 trailers were withdrawn from service due to old age. The total number of passengers using the tram service fell