A worker cleans a train compartment at the Lok Ma Chau station in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
The MTR corporation, Hong Kong’s sole rail operator, said it will ramp up subway services on the East Rail Line to cope with the surge in passenger numbers expected in the initial phase of resuming normal cross-border travel from Sunday.
The Hong Kong and Chinese mainland governments have agreed to allow 60,000 people from each side of the border travel to the other side through the seven connecting border ports, including 35,000 people through the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint, a destination on the East Rail Line.
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The 60,000 people traveling from Hong Kong will not need to undergo quarantine as the mainland is lifting all quarantine requirements for incoming visitors starting from the same day.
A staff member conducts maintenance work at the Lok Ma Chau station in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Cheung Chi-keung, head of cross-boundary operations for MTR Corp Ltd, believes that the metro service will operate smoothly under the new arrangement and the company will further adjust the frequency and number of trains depending on the actual situation
Spokespersons for the MTR told reporters on Friday that the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint railway station will reopen on Sunday. To cope with the increase in passenger flows, the frequency of trains between Admiralty and Lok Ma Chau station will be increased from one every 10 to 14 minutes to one every four to eight minutes. Weekday train shifts will be increased to 135, said the MTR.
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Cheung Chi-keung, head of cross-boundary operations for MTR Corp Ltd, believes that the metro service will operate smoothly under the new arrangement and the company will further adjust the frequency and number of trains depending on the actual situation.
An extra 100 employees will be added to assist in the operation of the East Rail Line and the public announcement system in carriages will also be enhanced. Most shops at Lok Ma Chau Station, including convenience stores and exchange shops, will also reopen on Sunday.
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The MTR said details of ticket sales for the cross-border high speed rail service will be announced next week. Some local media recently reported that the Hong Kong Intercity Through Train connecting Hong Kong with various mainland cities will permanently shut down. The MTR will inform the public of any updates with regards to that.