ENG-1983 — Page 213

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TRANSPORT

company's services continued and further increases in fleet capacity were achieved by the replacement of buses with new, larger models. During the first quarter of the year, routes serving the Chai Wan and the Mid-Levels areas were reorganised to reflect changes in demand. In order to strengthen the feeder bus services to MTR stations on Hong Kong Island, two new feeder routes were introduced in August on an experimental basis. Fares are charged according to distance and range from 60 cents for urban routes to $4 for the longest cross-harbour route.

Following a review of CMB's operation in June 1982, a further review in July 1983 showed that satisfactory progress had been made towards carrying out recommendations on improvements to bus depots, route development and economy measures. Further attention is to be given to the maintenance system.

Bus operations continued to be affected by traffic congestion. The year saw the completion of 21 public transport priority schemes which have helped to improve bus speeds. To maintain mobility for the majority of commuters who use public transport, public transport priority measures will continue to be developed wherever feasible.

On Lantau Island, the New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) operates a fleet of 58 buses over eight routes, two of which were new bus routes introduced during the year. In 1983, NLB buses carried 7000 passengers each weekday. Recreational demand increased this figure to 16 000 on Sundays and public holidays. To cope with the peak demand, the company acquired an additional double-deck bus during the year.

Fares on NLB services were increased in April. Weekday fares range from 70 cents to $5.20, while higher fares ranging from $1.50 to $8 are charged on Sundays and public holidays. To improve cost-efficiency, a programme to convert NLB routes progressively to one-man operation began during the year with a target of full conversion by April 1984.

Franchised bus services are supplemented by a fleet of 2 180 non-franchised public buses which are operated for hire on a contract basis, as well as private buses operated by private housing or factories. Residential coach services, which are operated under licences granted by the Transport Department to meet the transport needs of outlying residential areas, continued to expand. During the year, 54 licences were issued for the operation of residential coach services, four on Hong Kong Island and 19 in the New Territories, bringing the total of routes to 23.

Minibuses

The size of the public light bus (PLB) fleet has been fixed at 4 350 since May 1976. In 1983, these 14-seater minibuses carried an estimated 1.4 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 prepared to pay higher fares for a quicker, more direct or more comfortable service with the added advantage of being able to board or alight anywhere along the route. PLBs, however, contribute to congestion as they tend to concentrate on the main bus and tram corridors, delaying high capacity carriers and other traffic by their frequent stops. The full electrification of the KCR in July caused a considerable drop in passenger demand on PLB routes paralleling the railway. As expected, they have adjusted their services according to demand.

Expansion of the 'maxicab' scheme continued in 1983, 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 1983, 110 maxicab routes utilising 820 PLBs were in operation throughout the territory, carrying about 285 000 passengers daily. Concessionary fares for