A high-speed test train arrives at Guangzhou South Railway Station from Hong Kong on Jan 11, 2023. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)
A Hong Kong lawmaker alliance proposed various initiatives to optimize operation of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail service, suggesting the system is run more like a subway to benefit passengers.
It proposed lowering ticket fares of short-haul trains while increasing the frequency of trains; offering discounts for regular commuters; launching standing room-only tickets and optimizing the ticket purchasing process.
These improvements will offer more convenience for frequent cross-border commuters and further accelerate the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said the alliance, which was formed by four legislators — Kitson Yang Wing-kit , Scott Leung Man-kwong, Gary Zhang Xinyu, and Connie Lam So-wai.
At a media conference on Wednesday, a Hong Kong lawmaker alliance said that according to a survey it conducted in February, 640 out of 671 people interviewed expressed support for the group’s suggestions to introduce a metro-style operation to the high-speed rail service
At a media conference on Wednesday, the alliance said that according to a survey it conducted in February, 640 out of 671 people interviewed expressed support for the group’s suggestions to introduce a metro-style operation to the high-speed rail service.
As one of the most important transportation modes connecting the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, the high-speed train service resumed on Jan 15, and has become much busier. By the end of February, the average daily number of passengers exceeded 23,000, and reached nearly 40,000 at its peak. The alliance said it expects that number to exceed 50,000 during the May Day holiday.
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To offer commuters more convenience, the alliance suggested cutting fares on short-haul trains by 75 percent. It also proposed offering periodic tickets and multirides, which could give frequent commuters a 10 percent discount and save time in purchasing tickets.
Highlighting the popularity of short-distance trains, the lawmakers hope to increase train frequency between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to every 10 to 15 minutes, and add more direct trains to Guangzhou East.
Currently, there are 14 pairs of trains to Guangzhou South and only six pairs of trains to Guangzhou East, which is located in the downtown area of Guangzhou.
Besides, the alliance envisions the launch of standing room-only tickets for trains to Guangzhou and Shenzhen at the same cost as a second-class seat, to meet greater demand during holidays.
According to the group’s plan, there will be no designated trains or seats for passengers, which means they can board any train from the place of departure to the destination and sit on any seat on the train, just like on the metro system.
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The alliance also called for improvements to ticket-buying procedures, including optimizing the situation for passengers using Hong Kong phone numbers to receive verification codes.
Currently, if passengers buy high-speed rail tickets at West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong, they are charged an additional service fee of HK$10 ($1.27) to HK$30. The alliance advised waiving this charge for passengers.