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8.4.10 The KCR main Sine is expected to have sufficient capacity to carry these projectedtraffic volumes. Existing capacity can be upgraded by running longer trains (12-carsinstead of 9-cars) and by modifying the seating arrangements in the carriages.Greater capacity could be provided by upgrading the signalling system to permitmore frequent trains, at least in the peak periods. However, higher passengervolumes will also require improvements in passenger facilities at stations.8.4.11 KCR is also affected by the limits to capacity of the Kowloon Tong interchange withthe MTR, discussed in Chapter 7. Some relief can be expected with the developmentof bus routes through the new Tate's Cairn and Route 5 tunnels and longer termrelief would be achieved by the construction of the Yau Ma Tei to Fortress railcrossing, by providing another interchange between MTR and KCR at Hung Horn.The Northwest Railway8.4.12 The Northwest Railway, known more familiarly as the LRT (for light rail transit),operates within a defined Transit Service Area (TSA) covering Tuen Mun, YuenLong, Tin Shui Wai and the Castle Peak Road corridors. Both light rail and busservices within the TSA are operated under the KCRC Ordinance; buses generallyprovide feeder services to light rail routes to maximise utilisation of the light railway.8.4.13 Public transport services to and from the TSA are provided primarily by KMB busesbut also PLBs and H YF ferries. This Study is recommending the construction of a railline to link the TSA with the main urban area, with a route from the present MTRterminus at Tsuen Wan to either Yuen Long or Tuen Mun; the chosen route wouldcomprise the so-called urban rail link.8.4.14 The population of the TSA is projected to double in the 10 years from 1986 to 1996.By that date, the TSA is projected to include 11 % of all the population and 9% of allthe jobs in the Territory. Population growth beyond 2001 could continue to bestrong if the later stages of Tin Shui Wai are committed.8.4.15 The LRT opened in September 1988 and was carrying about 160000 passengersper day by the end of the year. Future growth in patronage will clearly depend verymuch on the growth in population and employment within the TSA and on theability of the LRT to meet the demands placed on it. The construction of the urbanrail link would place greater demands on the LRT, by increasing the proportion ofexternal travel and by using the LRT as a feeder to the urban rail link terminus in theTSA. With the full population and employment growth currently projected and withthe completion of the LRT Regional System and the construction of the urban raillink, daily patronage of the LRT could reach 700 000 by 2001.Hongkong Tramways8.4.16 Hongkong Tramways Ltd (H KT) provides a street tram service along the north shoreof Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. It caters mainly forshort distance trips and has successfully survived the introduction of the MTR islandLine and competition from buses.8.4.17 Tramways patronage fell off sharply in the early 1980s, mainly in response to twofare increases and stronger bus competition. It began to recover even before theopening of the MTR Island Line, and has continued to rise steadily over the last fouryears to reach 360000 boardings daily in 1988. Continued moderate growth isforecast, subject to slight variations caused by land use developments and competingtransport services. HKT has engaged consultants to study improvements andpossible extensions to the tramways, but these have not been examined by CTS-2.8.5 Bus OperationsThe Kowloon Motor Bus Company (KMB)8.5.1 KMB is the largest public transport carrier in Hong Kong. Over the last ten years,KM B has had to absorb the impact of the opening of the MTR and the changing land160