HONG KONG – The Mass Transit Railway’s Tuen Ma Line that links the eastern and western parts of Hong Kong’s New Territories will be fully opened on June 27, said the city’s Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan on Friday.
Chan told reporters that two new stations – Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan – together with the new platforms at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin stations will open on that day, providing an efficient and convenient railway service to the To Kwa Wan and Kowloon City areas.
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The train frequency of Tuen Ma Line at peak hours will be three minutes, said Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan
The Tuen Ma Line, at approximately 56 km long with 27 stations, is the longest railway line in Hong Kong and connects Tuen Mun in western New Territories to Wu Kai Sha in the east.
Chan said residents along the line will enjoy enhanced connectivity with the rest of the city’s rail network, using the six interchange stations to connect to the East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tung Chung Line as well as the Tsuen Wan Line.
The train frequency at peak hours will be three minutes, he added.
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department confirmed on Friday morning that the rail line has met the safety requirements and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) can prepare for its commissioning, Chan said.
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The line’s full commissioning was expected to be in the third quarter but it is now ready to start service early.
“Both the government and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (worked) very hard during the past year with the view to commissioning the Tuen Ma Line as soon as possible because we appreciate very much the expectation of the people who are looking forward to taking a ride on this particular new line,” Chan said.
The line connects to four other railway lines, provides flexibility, convenience and saves commute time, Chan said.
He added that the MTRC will provide special fare promotions for passengers and there will be interchange offers with other transport operators.