ENG-1994 — Page 309

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TRANSPORT

Light Rail Transit

The KCRC also owns and operates the 31-kilometre Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, in the northwestern New Territories, which began operating in 1988. An extension was opened in January 1993, between Tin Shui Estate and Castle Peak Road at Tong Fong/Hung Shui Kiu. The extension increased to 55 the number of stops served by the system. Eight routes are provided on the network by a fleet of 100 cars, which operate either singly or in pairs. At the end of the year, 354 000 boardings a day were handled on the LRT and its feeder bus services within the transit service area between Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. The LRT operates zonal fares and provides free transfers from one route to another within the zone and to and from the stations by feeder buses. Ordinary adult fares ranged from $3 to $4.30. In June 1993, the boarding and alighting restrictions on buses operated by the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited in the transit service area were lifted, to provide a greater choice for passengers travelling within the area.

A further extension of the LRT in Tin Shui Wai new town, from Tin Shui Estate to the Tin Shui Wai town centre, is scheduled for completion in early 1995.

Trams

since 1904.

Electric trams have been operating on Hong Kong Island for a century Hongkong Tramways Limited has six overlapping services, using 13 kilometres of double track along the north shore of Hong Kong Island, between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei -- Wan, and nearly three kilometres of single track around Happy Valley. The company's 163 trams, including two open-balcony trams for tourists and private hire, make up the only fully double-decker tram fleet in the world. All of the original trams were rebuilt by 1991. Tramway patronage rose marginally during 1994, with an average of 377 000 boardings daily. Fares were increased in February to $1.20 for adults and 60 cents for children. A senior citizen concessionary fare of 60 cents, for all persons aged 65 years or above, was introduced at the same time.

Funicular Rail

Hong Kong's other 'tramway' is a cable-hauled funicular railway, operated by the Peak Tramways Company Limited from Central to The Peak. The 1.4-kilometre line began operation in 1888 and climbs 373 metres on gradients as steep as one-in-two. The line was modernised in 1989. The service caters largely for sightseers but also serves residents in the Peak District. The line serves an average of 10 000 passengers a day. One-way fares for adults and children were $12 and $4, respectively.

Ferries

Ferries are essential for travelling to Hong Kong's outlying islands and provide an important link to the new towns in the northwestern New Territories. In the inner harbour, they are a supplementary mode of transport to cross-harbour buses and the Mass Transit Railway. Existing services are provided largely by two franchised operators the Star Ferry Company Limited and the Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Company Limited (HYF).

The Star Ferry operated 12 vessels across the harbour and, during the year, carried 36 160 000 passengers on its three routes. Fares ranged from $1.40 to $2. Passengers aged 65 and above can enjoy free travel on all Star Ferry services.