港鐵廣告2011 - 你見過未
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I like the panda haha

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港鐵被指歧視內地遊客稱按條例維持公平票務

2011年02月16日18:09　來源：中國新聞網參與互動(13)　　中新社香港2月16日電（記者周志彬）

香港有內地遊客16日投訴搭乘港鐵時受到職員歧視，並遭港鐵罰款1000元（港幣，下同）。港鐵解釋，若言語上令該內地遊客感到不舒服，願意道歉。

以自由行身份來港的謝先生表示，15日與女友在旺角準備搭乘港鐵前往觀塘時，購買了特惠票，結果被港鐵職員截停，並處以1000元罰款。

港鐵職員對謝先生表示，小童／長者特惠車票只適用於3至11歲及65歲或以上的乘客，但謝先生對此感到莫名其妙，他質疑港鐵公司沒有向遊客宣傳遊客不可以購買特惠票，且購買處並沒有貼出顯眼的告示，他並引述當時一名港鐵職員說，“我們是接受英國紳士教育，不會明文寫出來”。

謝先生稱，由於當時他與女友把通行證放於友人家中，港鐵職員威脅若他們不交出身份證明便會報警，但如果他們每人交500元的罰款則可以立即離開。謝先生質疑，港鐵的目的根本就是要錢，他更投訴港鐵職員人身攻擊，歧視內地文化。

港鐵方面16日接到中新社記者查詢後表示，職員是根據港鐵條例辦事，以維持公平票務制度，若言語上令謝先生及其女友感到不舒服，願意代表公司道歉。

對此，香港旅遊發展局主席田北俊表示，希望內地遊客與香港商戶有爭執時，可以報警並尋求小額錢債審裁處處理。他說，一般案件一兩天內便會獲得處理，不會阻遊客很長時間，他對香港司法制度很有信心。

香港多個公共交通工具皆設有小童、學生及長者車費優惠，但這些優惠遊客並不適用。 （完）

港鐵被指歧視內地遊客稱按條例維持公平票務

2011年02月16日18:09　來源：中國新聞網參與互動(13)　　中新社香港2月16日電（記者周志彬）

香港有內地遊客16日投訴搭乘港鐵時受到職員歧視，並遭港鐵罰款1000元（港幣，下同）。港鐵解釋，若言語上令該內地遊客感到不舒服，願意道歉。

以自由行身份來港的謝先生表示，15日與女友在旺角準備搭乘港鐵前往觀塘時，購買了特惠票，結果被港鐵職員截停，並處以1000元罰款。

港鐵職員對謝先生表示，小童／長者特惠車票只適用於3至11歲及65歲或以上的乘客，但謝先生對此感到莫名其妙，他質疑港鐵公司沒有向遊客宣傳遊客不可以購買特惠票，且購買處並沒有貼出顯眼的告示，他並引述當時一名港鐵職員說，“我們是接受英國紳士教育，不會明文寫出來”。

謝先生稱，由於當時他與女友把通行證放於友人家中，港鐵職員威脅若他們不交出身份證明便會報警，但如果他們每人交500元的罰款則可以立即離開。謝先生質疑，港鐵的目的根本就是要錢，他更投訴港鐵職員人身攻擊，歧視內地文化。

港鐵方面16日接到中新社記者查詢後表示，職員是根據港鐵條例辦事，以維持公平票務制度，若言語上令謝先生及其女友感到不舒服，願意代表公司道歉。

對此，香港旅遊發展局主席田北俊表示，希望內地遊客與香港商戶有爭執時，可以報警並尋求小額錢債審裁處處理。他說，一般案件一兩天內便會獲得處理，不會阻遊客很長時間，他對香港司法制度很有信心。

香港多個公共交通工具皆設有小童、學生及長者車費優惠，但這些優惠遊客並不適用。 （完）

"歧視內地文化" - So now they think dodging normal prices is part of their culture. I suggest they go nominate it in the UNESCO World Non-Material Cultural Heritage.

"歧視內地文化" - So now they think dodging normal prices is part of their culture. I suggest they go nominate it in the UNESCO World Non-Material Cultural Heritage.


I don't believe the MTR staff would say something like "我們是接受英國紳士教育，不會明文寫出來"

"歧視內地文化" - So now they think dodging normal prices is part of their culture. I suggest they go nominate it in the UNESCO World Non-Material Cultural Heritage.

And shouldn't they adopt the HK culture when they are in HK?

港鐵被指歧視內地遊客稱按條例維持公平票務

...

港鐵職員對謝先生表示,小童/長者特惠車票只適用於3至11歲及65歲或以上的乘客,但謝先生對此感到莫名其妙,他質疑港鐵公司沒有向遊客宣傳遊客不可以購買特惠票,且購買處並沒有貼出顯眼的告示,他並引述當時一名港鐵職員說,“我們是接受英國紳士教育,不會明文寫出來”。

...(完)

You can punch him in the face because he didn't say we can't do so.

MTR profit up on home sales, higher traffic
The Standard
Friday, March 04, 2011

Net profit of MTR Corp (0066) jumped 25.1 percent to HK$12.06 billion - beating market forecasts of about HK$9 billion - thanks to robust home sales, high local patronage growth and fare adjustments.

Underlying profit, excluding a HK$4.07 billion revaluation gain from investment properties and deferred tax, rose 18.5 percent to HK$8.66 billion.

Earnings per share were HK$2.10. The company recommended a final dividend of 59 HK cents.

Profit from local rail operations jumped 31.65 percent to HK$2.8 billion, making it the largest contributor to earnings.

Net profit of local station commercial activities rose 8.4 percent to HK$2.53 billion.

Revenue surged 57 percent to HK$29.5 billion last year from HK$18.8 billion. Total fare revenue, comprising rail, light rail and bus services, grew 8.4 percent to HK$12.56 billion, with total patronage increasing by 6.8 percent to HK$1.608 billion in 2010.

Any rail fare adjustment will depend on a mechanism based on the consumer price index and wage index of transport services, of which the latter will be announced by the end of March, MTRC chief executive Chow Chung-kong said.

The average fare per passenger in Hong Kong rose 1.9 percent to HK$6.67 on the fare rise in June 2010 and longer trips after more openings of rail lines.

Net income of property rental and management rose 13.7 percent to HK$2.29 billion.

One-third of retail stores in railway stations renewed contracts and the rental growth of renewed contracts was 14 percent last year, Chow said.

Property development generated a net profit of HK$4.03 billion, up 13.5 percent from HK$3.55 billion.

The net profit of railway operations outside Hong Kong soared 47 times to HK$241 million from HK$5 million.

Diluted by the low-margin overseas franchise, margin of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of MTRC was 37 percent.

The Ebitda margin, excluding the railway subsidiaries outside of Hong Kong, was 54.9 percent.

The Beijing Metro Line operation is expected to turn profitable this year, but the Shenzhen Metro Line 4 may not contribute any profit to the company in the near term, MTR finance and business development director Lincoln Leung Kwok-kuen said.

MTRC shares closed down 0.52 percent to HK$28.65 yesterday.

港鐵客量新高 6月勢再加價
(明報)2011年3月4日 星期五 05:05

【明報專訊】去年大賺120.56億元的港鐵，乘客量再創新高，較去年增加6.8%至全年16.085億人次，車費收入亦增長8.4%至124.59億元，港鐵行政總裁周松崗 解釋，主要是去年6月調整票價，以及連接東、西鐵 線的九龍南線投入服務，令長途客增加。他不評論港鐵今年會否加價，但按可減可減機制初步推算，加價勢在必行。

車費收入增8.4%

周松崗昨於業績報告記者會上表示，今年6月會根據指數調整價格，但現時無法估計會否加價，他說即使去年的綜合消費物價指數（CPI）為3.1％，按票價調整機制方程式把指數除以二後為1.55％，但仍要視乎本月底公布的運輸業工資指數。

不過，根據可加可減機制，即CPI變動的一半，加運輸服務業名義工資指數變動的一半，再減生產力因素（今年是0％），單計去年CPI指數1.55％已超越正負1.5%的機制啟動點，加價勢在必行，若以去年第三季的工資數據計，機制指數為2.15%，以去年乘客平均每程車費6.67元計算，相等於加價 0.21元。

港鐵乘客量增加，周松崗指主因是09年下半年投入服務的九龍南線和康城站帶來的效應，加上入境人數增加及經濟復蘇。另外，機場快線的乘客量按年勁升12％至1110萬人次。

對於向八達通乘客收取的幕門工程費補貼，或較估算提早兩年至2015年收足，港鐵總經理（公司事務）梁陳智明只說，每年均會公布進展，一旦收足補貼，必會停止向乘客額外徵收每程一毫。去年八達通的個人資料外泄問題備受公眾關注，作為股東的港鐵，所得的淨利潤較09年跌15.4%，只有1.26億元。

It's so smooth that a train operator can go to sleep. That could never happen on the Toronto TTC.

IlFEfASPRuU&tracker=False

It's so smooth that a train operator can go to sleep. That could never happen on the Toronto TTC.

IlFEfASPRuU&tracker=False

So is there a flaw with the auto-pilot system?
If it is on auto mode, how come the train didn't stop at where it should be?

It's so smooth that a train operator can go to sleep. That could never happen on the Toronto TTC.

IlFEfASPRuU&tracker=False

Hehe is that a theoretical example (demonstration)........or did that actually happen in real life?

Hong Kong Mass Transit Operator MTR Chooses Verizon to Fast Track Information-Asset Protection

5 MARCH 2011

HONG KONG – The MTR Corporation, which carries 4 million passengers every weekday in Hong Kong, wanted to bolster its security capabilities to better protect corporate and customer information.

Verizon Business professional services experts helped the mass transit operator update its existing security and data classification policies and implemented a comprehensive Information Rights Management program. To build a security framework, Verizon conducted a series of stringent process assessments and workshops for employees with access to sensitive and classified information. As a result, MTR’s 14,000 employees are now able to quickly and consistently identify, classify and encrypt sensitive company information. And the new security framework has greatly helped to reduce the risk of unauthorized and inadvertent disclosure of such information.

Daniel Lai, MTR Corporation’s head of information technology, said: “Our business uses significant amounts of information in different forms. And since our employees and external partners are increasingly mobile, we wanted to ensure that all sensitive information was properly protected. With the help of Verizon Business, the entire MTR team is now well-equipped to safeguard customer data – and protect the underlying qualities of the MTR brand.”

Verizon Business offers managed security services; governance, risk and compliance solutions; data loss and prevention solutions; and identity management solutions, all delivered by the company’s more than 1,200 security professionals around the globe. More information is available by visiting http://www.verizonbusiness.com/products/security. The company also provides ongoing security insight and analysis via the Verizon Security Blog.

Verizon is a global leader in driving better business outcomes for mid-sized and large enterprises and government agencies. Verizon combines integrated communications and IT solutions, professional services expertise with high-IQ global IP and mobility networks to enable businesses to securely access information, share content and communicate. Verizon is rapidly transforming to a cloud-based “everything-as-a-service” delivery model that will put the power of enterprise-grade solutions within the reach of every business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

MTR Hong Kong introduces new passenger communication measures

BY A. SAMUEL · FEBRUARY 25, 2011 ·

The MTR Corporation, Hong Kong has introduced a series of new measures to improve communication with passengers in the event of a train service suspension.

On 25 February a joint exercise took place at Yau Ma Tei Station held with the Fire Services Department and Railway District Police. The exercise re-enacted last October’s Tsuen Wan Line broken overhead line incident when train service had to be temporarily suspended between Yau Ma Tei and Jordan stations.

“Many passengers were delayed that day and I would once again like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. We agree our handling of the situation could be improved, especially in information dissemination, shuttle bus arrangement and timely communication with the Transport Department,” said Dr Jacob Kam, Operations Director of MTR Corporation.

“We have done a comprehensive review, and introduced a series of improvement initiatives which we took the opportunity to try out.“

For high visibility, the Corporation has colour-coded communication materials for train service suspension in pink. The new measures include:

• Enhanced public announcements with service suspension details and advice on alternative transport choices

• Giant pull-down maps showing franchise bus routes, bus stop locations and Free MTR Shuttle Bus pick-up points

• Signs displayed from concourse ceilings and at street level to mark routes to Free MTR Shuttle Bus pick-up points

• LCD screens to be gradually installed at MTR station entry gates to provide information on service suspension

• Station-specific Rail Service Suspension Passenger Guide available at each station and on the MTR website

In addition, a 60-member, dedicated Customer Service Rapid Response Unit (CSRRU) is being set up to provide assistance to passengers and maintain order at stations and Free MTR Shuttle Bus pick-up points. Individual teams will be deployed to affected stations during a train service suspension and members will be easily identifiable in their hot pink vests.

“When a service suspension occurs, we need time to ascertain the situation and make assessment on the impact. As a result, it could take 30 to 45 minutes before the relevant arrangements are put into place, extra manpower deployed and Free MTR Shuttle Buses arrive,” said Mr TT Choi, Head of Operating of MTR Corporation. “We thank passengers for their understanding and advise that they should first consider taking alternative MTR routes or other public transport.”

The joint exercise is also aimed at verifying established emergency procedures and communication between the MTR and emergency services. Five hundred members of the public volunteered to play the role of “passengers”.

“The exercise confirms the seamless cooperation among the MTR, Fire Services and Police in urgent situations as well as meets the objective of testing the effectiveness of our new communication initiatives,” added Mr Choi.

MTR passengers can familiarise themselves with arrangements during a train service suspension by obtaining a Rail Service Suspension Passenger Guide at a nearby station or downloading it from the MTR website.

http://www.rail.co/2011/02/25/mtr-hong-kong-introduces-new-passenger-communication-measures/

MTR jam calls for longer trains

Friday, March 11, 2011

Traffic has always been a problem for Hong Kong, and car dealers do not believe raising first registration tax as proposed in the budget will deter buyers. Meanwhile, both pedestrian and vehicular traffic seem to have increased lately.

There are crowds everywhere, and this is probably because more mainlanders are visiting, and more people are shopping, helped by the robust economy.
Even MTR trains are always full, and passengers often have to wait for the next one.

The long-term solution would be for the train company to build more lines, but that does not help relieve the immediate passenger pressure, which is quite a headache.

Some suggest increasing train frequencies, but a friend with MTR Corp said this is not possible because the system is almost at full capacity.

Another option would be to increase the length of each train. Would that not increase the capacity of each train, which has up to nine carriages now?

Adding a 10th could work at new platforms, but may present a problem for the older ones, which are shorter. Despite the hitch, this is one possibility the company is exploring.

One way to overcome the problem is not to open the doors of the additional carriage. Passengers would use the doors of the ninth carriage to board and exit.

But they might be reluctant to move into the 10th carriage, staying close to the exit, causing delays.

Higher patronage is, of course, good for the company, but it also presents a problem, albeit a happy one.

As the economy improves further, this kind of problem may spill over to other establishments.

It is up to the managers to do some brainstorming to find innovative solutions.

Siu Sai-wo is chief editor of Sing Tao Daily

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=5&art_id=108976&sid=31584211&con_type=3&d_str=20110311&fc=7

MTR jam calls for longer trains


Another option would be to increase the length of each train. Would that not increase the capacity of each train, which has up to nine carriages now?

Adding a 10th could work at new platforms, but may present a problem for the older ones, which are shorter. Despite the hitch, this is one possibility the company is exploring.


http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=5&art_id=108976&sid=31584211&con_type=3&d_str=20110311&fc=7

Aren't trains 8 cars long right now?

4 for Ma On San, 6 or 7 for West Rail, 12 for East Rail, 8 for Urban lines.

[SIZE="4"][B]The long-term solution would be for the train company to build more lines, but that does not help relieve the immediate passenger pressure, which is quite a headache.

Is there any evidence that the opening of a new rail line in HK has reduced vehicle numbers?

Is there any evidence that the opening of a new rail line in HK has reduced vehicle numbers?

The statement was about increase capacity to relief the passenger congestion within the system, not on the road.

If only they could investigate the possibility of a system that recognises which door is obstructed while closing, and only re-open and re-close that particular door on trains. That way we'd already have saved a lot of time trying our luck in closing all doors successfully...

If only they could investigate the possibility of a system that recognises which door is obstructed while closing, and only re-open and re-close that particular door on trains. That way we'd already have saved a lot of time trying our luck in closing all doors successfully...

Perhaps at super busy station such as Admiralty they could unload one side then load the other. Means digging an extra platform but would reduce load/unload time.

The other alternative is to allow cross harbour buses to to pick-up at Immigration tower and have a bus lane all the way through to Hong Hum.

But without congestion there is no need to build MTR lines and new MTR lines generate profit for TD. So why solve congestion.

Perhaps at super busy station such as Admiralty they could unload one side then load the other. Means digging an extra platform but would reduce load/unload time.

The other alternative is to allow cross harbour buses to to pick-up at Immigration tower and have a bus lane all the way through to Hong Hum.

But without congestion there is no need to build MTR lines and new MTR lines generate profit for TD. So why solve congestion.

Bus fetishist alarm!



...

This is a thread on MTR. There are many threads in this section where you can satisfy your bus fetish by posting all of your bus fetish rants there such as the following one:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=650834

Bus fetishist alarm!

Route based transport optimisation fetishist - not just buses please. The thread you gave a link to was of buses which is somewhat different.

Perhaps at super busy station such as Admiralty they could unload one side then load the other. Means digging an extra platform but would reduce load/unload time.


Nice idea, but what about a more frequent train schedule?:cheers:

Nice idea, but what about a more frequent train schedule?:cheers:

More frequent train is almost impossible.
Both Tsuen Wan and Island Lines are running 1.75 minutes headway in between already, it's the minimum safety cushion.
Plus, 1.75 minutes is a very short window to alight and board passenger already.

Perhaps at super busy station such as Admiralty they could unload one side then load the other. Means digging an extra platform but would reduce load/unload time.

The other alternative is to allow cross harbour buses to to pick-up at Immigration tower and have a bus lane all the way through to Hong Hum.

But without congestion there is no need to build MTR lines and new MTR lines generate profit for TD. So why solve congestion.

I don't think loading and unloading are causing the delays. During rush-hour, passengers on Kowloon-bound trains from Central don't tend to get off at Admiralty, but instead, the crowds are almost entirely Kowloon-bound. But the problem is the train gets quite packed from Central already, and there isn't enough room for all the passengers at Admiralty to board. I guess the Tung Chung Line isn't really that optimal to relieve the Tsuen Wan Line.

Loading and unloading is unavoidable. What is avoidable is the time wasted in trying to shut all doors together without delay...

Loading and unloading is unavoidable. What is avoidable is the time wasted in trying to shut all doors together without delay...

Yes i never understood why ppl try to get on the train whem the doors are closing, you're never more than a minute from the next train and all the time wasted stuffing yourself into the train just causes delays.

Even in non peak times, a train is never more than 5-6 minutes away except at Tung Chung Line or at night

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=108779&sid=31516227&con_type=1

MTR profit up on home sales, higher traffic


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Net profit of MTR Corp (0066) jumped 25.1 percent to HK$12.06 billion
Profit from local rail operations jumped 31.65 percent to HK$2.8 billion
the rest is property surely. MTRC back on track as a the Governments own property firm.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=108779&sid=31516227&con_type=1

MTR profit up on home sales, higher traffic


ADVERTISEMENT

Net profit of MTR Corp (0066) jumped 25.1 percent to HK$12.06 billion
Profit from local rail operations jumped 31.65 percent to HK$2.8 billion
the rest is property surely. MTRC back on track as a the Governments own property firm.

please read the article words by words.

- Profit from local rail operations jumped 31.65 percent to HK$2.8 billion, making it the largest contributor to earnings.

please explain to us the bolded words

- Property development generated a net profit of HK$4.03 billion, up 13.5 percent from HK$3.55 billion.

please calculate the % of 4.03 over 12.06

please also explain other figures in the article and tell me how did you arrive at the conclusion that other then 2.8, "the rest is property surely". how were you sure? you know the figures breakdown of 9.26 (12.06 minus 2.8) ? can you show us one by one?

港鐵路軌事故調查發現維修不當引致路軌斷裂
(商台)2011年3月15日 星期二 17:31

港鐵今年頭兩個月，接連發生三宗路軌裂縫事故，港鐵的調查，發現在一月十三日東鐵線近火炭站的事故中，港鐵原來在事發前八日在這段路軌，臨時裝上直徑較細的鋼螺栓，固定絕緣鋼軌接口，當列車駛過時，更大的壓力集中在路軌，引致斷裂。港鐵說，原本計劃在一月廿三日更換臨時鋼螺栓，但路軌在十三日已斷裂。報告又指，港鐵在全面檢查鐵路網絡後，發現仲有八處路軌接口，改用了較小的鋼螺栓，但未有出現裂縫，不過港鐵到上星期，才為有問題的路軌，換上標準的鋼螺栓。

政府認為，港鐵所訂立的維修時間過長，不能接受。

港鐵已邀請澳洲一間公司，就路軌採購及檢查修維等問題，進行研究，七月會有結果。

^^ So it's nothing to do with the quality but maintenance...

can you show us one by one?

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/annualresult2010/mtr_annual_2010_web_e.pdf

Page 26. Rail profit probably includes property rental at stations (which seem to be getting bigger and bigger)

:ohno::ohno:

After MTRC got a $2.8 billion of profit, 32% hike, from local rail operation last year, we get a 2.3% fare raise in June! Bravo.

Time to fill up that Octopus Card.

MTR fares set to rise
25-03-2011

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation has announced it will raise fares by 2.3 percent from June. Passengers will have to pay 10 to 20 cents more for each journey.
The increase has been calculated under a fare adjustment mechanism linked to rises in the consumer price index and wage indices.

A spokesman for the Coalition to Monitor Public Transport and Utilities, Richard Tsoi, opposed the move, saying it would add to the already high cost of living. He said it could not be justified financially because the Corporation posted a big profit last year.

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?hightlight&20110325&56&743641

I suspect there will be no rise in the majority of the fares to Lowu.

:ohno::ohno:

After MTRC got a $2.8 billion of profit, 32% hike, from local rail operation last year, we get a 2.3% fare raise in June! Bravo.

Time to fill up that Octopus Card.

MTR fares set to rise
25-03-2011

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation has announced it will raise fares by 2.3 percent from June. Passengers will have to pay 10 to 20 cents more for each journey.
The increase has been calculated under a fare adjustment mechanism linked to rises in the consumer price index and wage indices.

A spokesman for the Coalition to Monitor Public Transport and Utilities, Richard Tsoi, opposed the move, saying it would add to the already high cost of living. He said it could not be justified financially because the Corporation posted a big profit last year.

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?hightlight&20110325&56&743641
They were trying to justify the hike on news reports last night by saying they need to "respect" the fare-adjustment scheme, which has been debated in the legislature before. What kind of lame excuse is that?

They were trying to justify the hike on news reports last night by saying they need to "respect" the fare-adjustment scheme, which has been debated in the legislature before. What kind of lame excuse is that?

MTRC used the same excuse when it raised the fare last time.
But MTRC is still playing by the rules, so you really can't blame on them, but whoever came up with the scheme.
The fare-adjustment scheme supposes to be the "perfect" solution to formulate and justify fare changes.
If the government doesn't work into revise the system, it is just going to happen again.

Correct me if I am wrong, but MTR fares change according to CPI, and CPI is increased by raised MTR fares to a certain degree, and hence MTR fares will later need to go even further up, and it goes on and on?

Well, the adjustment is based on past CPI data, so the current increase will not impact the data they used to justify this hike.

Well, the adjustment is based on past CPI data, so the current increase will not impact the data they used to justify this hike.

But it's going to justify the next hike isn't it?

I think the CPI is only an variable in the equation, there are other factors associate with it.
So I guess it's possible that even if the CPI goes up, but it still won't trigger the fare hike if everything else go the other way or not as steep.

I guess I'm thinking about the theoretical side of it

I guess I'm thinking about the theoretical side of it

Theoretically, I think you assumption can be correct.
They all tie together in an endless loop.

MTRC apologises over press controversy (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?main&20110423&56&750412)

23-04-2011
The MTRC described the controversy as a misunderstanding. File photo.
The MTR Corporation says it has absolutely no intention of undermining press freedom, despite concerns over several Chinese-language newspapers being threatened by a letter from an advertising firm representing the railway operator.

The firm - OMD - warned that it may cut MTR advertisements in the event of negative news coverage. It is believed the incident was triggered by Ming Pao which ran an MTR ad next to a story criticising an MTR property project earlier this month.

However the MTRC's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ho, did admit the company had told OMD that it hoped its ads would appear in a better way. Mr Ho said the company apologised to the public for what it called a misunderstanding. He said the company had not yet made a decision on whether to take action against the advertising firm - or its staff.

Earlier, the chairwoman of the Journalists Association, Mak Yin-ting, said the approach by OMD was totally unacceptable and that there would be far-reaching implications if such an approach were tolerated.

Ms Mak called on the government, which is MTRC's largest shareholder, to order MTRC to withdraw these guidelines and state publicly that it respects press freedom and that money or commercial pressure will not be used to jeopardise it.

The government said it was unaware such a letter had been sent out.

Hopefully not more self censorship by the press on huge property companies.

HK to receive 1st mainland-made subway train
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-04-25 20:19

CHANGCHUN - Hong Kong's metro system will receive its first train from a Chinese mainland manufacturer Thursday, according to a source with the manufacturer.

The 8-car train was designed and developed by Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of the China CNR Corporation Limited, said the source.

The lightweight train is capable of speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. It is made out of stainless steel and has a service life of 40 years, 10 years longer than that of subway trains currently being used by metro systems in the mainland, according to the Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd..

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) signed a procurement agreement with the China CNR Corporation Limited in December 2008. In accordance with the agreement, Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd is tasked to develop, manufacture and provide 10 trains to the MTR Corporation of Hong Kong before 2012.

The cooperation between Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd and the HKSAR is an indication that mass transit vehicle manufacturers in the Chinese mainland are ready to penetrate the Hong Kong market, which has been dominated by suppliers from the United Kingdom, France and Spain.

IdosUbFzo4w

dGWflbOxaSY

Just a Singaporean coming in here...

I thought we got a pretty raw deal when we started receiving the first of 22 trains that were jointly produced by Kawasaki of Japan and some "csr qingdao sifang" company from China, whose build quality was somewhat criticised by a fellow Singaporean railfan when he took it recently. But looking at what you Hong Kongers are getting (a train from some "changchun" company), and looking at the design, it does appears that you got even worse, whether compared to your standards or ours.

Seriously, look at that: no plug doors, and those windows are so tiny!

SP1900 trains from Japan don't have plug doors either, and they are very quiet. Since these are the most expensive railcars ever procured for the MTR urban lines, and nobody from the public has been in them, we will just have to wait and see how well they are built.

It's Question and Answer time:

1) Shatin-and-Central Link
What's the status of this thing? They say two phases will open by 2015 and the last phase by 2019. Is it still on schedule?

and when will Ho Man Tin and Whampoa Garden train stations???

2) Ocean Park Station
When will it open? Just asking out of curiosity :)

3) West Rail Line @ Hung Hom station

Apparently, this is the only train station on the West Rail Line without platform screen doors.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Mtr_hunghom_plf.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5299198923_31d1f0153d_b.jpg

When will MTR Corp install PSDs at Hung Hom station?

Thanks :)

It's Question and Answer time:

1) Shatin-and-Central Link
What's the status of this thing? They say two phases will open by 2015 and the last phase by 2019. Is it still on schedule?

and when will Ho Man Tin and Whampoa Garden train stations???

2) Ocean Park Station
When will it open? Just asking out of curiosity :)

3) West Rail Line @ Hung Hom station

Apparently, this is the only train station on the West Rail Line without platform screen doors.

When will MTR Corp install PSDs at Hung Hom station?

Thanks :)

1. SCL - going on as usual, apart from a hiccup involving the EIA. Ho Man Tin and Whampoa Garden stations = Kwun Tong Line extension (due for completion by 2015), not SCL

2. 2015 along with the rest of SIL(E)

3. ... no idea! But I don't see it as part of the SCL upgrade plans...

1. SCL - going on as usual, apart from a hiccup involving the EIA. Ho Man Tin and Whampoa Garden stations = Kwun Tong Line extension (due for completion by 2015), not SCL

Ah okay.

In the wiki article, they grouped it Kwun Tong extension with the Shatin-Central Link.

So I guess things are going smooth so far.

2. 2015 along with the rest of SIL(E)

Hehe I see I see.

Don't get me wrong though. It's not that this is not an absolute requirement for Ocean Park to have a train station. In fact, even without a train station, Ocean Park still has more visitors and earns more money than HK Disneyland

It's just that the Ocean Park train station is an added bonus that's all (along with the park and ride facility they're building which allows people to park their cars and transfer to MTR trains and vice versa)

3. ... no idea! But I don't see it as part of the SCL upgrade plans...

I see.

Although looking at it from a West Rail Line perspective, it's the one-and-only station without PSDs. I'm sure installing it won't take as much effort and money to do it (compared to doing something like that for an entire train line).

IMHO, MTR should consider doing so ASAP

:)

It's just that the Ocean Park train station is an added bonus that's all (along with the park and ride facility they're building which allows people to park their cars and transfer to MTR trains and vice versa)


I support the construction of the station, but it's weird how the bridge that connects the station to ocean park is so narrow...


Although looking at it from a West Rail Line perspective, it's the one-and-only station without PSDs. I'm sure installing it won't take as much effort and money to do it (compared to doing something like that for an entire train line).

IMHO, MTR should consider doing so ASAP

:)

I am guessing that if they are indeed going to build PSDs they'd go for half height. I seem to remember some mention of those in MTR's DSM.

I support the construction of the station, but it's weird how the bridge that connects the station to ocean park is so narrow...

Hehe

But hey, it's better than nothing (in fact the train station in itself is just an added bonus after all)


I am guessing that if they are indeed going to build PSDs they'd go for half height. I seem to remember some mention of those in MTR's DSM.

Hmm........okay but

If it's only just for one station on the line (Hung Hom), then why not go for full-height?

When MTR did a mass installation of PSDs, they all did full height in like 30+ stations.

Well, it's only one station so why not go for full height?

Just my thoughts :)

East Rail has lots of outdoor platforms. strictly speaking HUH is also one... wouldn't it be weird to have a platform with full height PSD and half on the other?

Hung Hom platforms are not air-conditioned so what is the driver for having platform screen doors?

How many open stations have 1/2 height platform screens?

East Rail has lots of outdoor platforms. strictly speaking HUH is also one... wouldn't it be weird to have a platform with full height PSD and half on the other?

Isn't East Rail all outdoor?

You guys are right though that East Rail Line is mostly outdoor.

Still,
With regards to Hung Hom train station.........

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Mtr_hunghom_plf.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5299198923_31d1f0153d_b.jpg

It looks indoor to me.

If you ask me for my recommendation, just go full height for Hung Hom station. :)

Then for the other stations on East Rail Line and the entirety of the Ma On Shan Line, you can just go with the Sunny Bay method of approach.

http://img.youtube.com/vi/zvD2cVmSa_U/0.jpg

@Longershanks

Here's what I know:
Installed
-Sunny Bay
-Disneyland

About to be installed from now till year 2012
-Tsuen Wan
-Kwai Hing
-Kwai Fong
-Kowloon Bay
-Ngau Tau Kok
-Kwun Tong
-Heng Fa Chuen
-Chai Wan

@Longershanks: PSDs are not only for air conditioning
@EricIsHim: Yes except arguably HUH - hence my statement

Regarding platform screen doors at Hung Hom, it seems (I recall seeing it on some MTR leaflet at the roadshows they were doing) there'll be all new underground platforms (with cross-platform interchanges, naturally) for both the North-South (existing East Rail + SCL) & East-West (West Rail & Ma On Shan Rail link-up) corridor. The existing platforms will be re-purposed for the intercity trains. This was now 2 years ago... so knowing the MTR, they've probably changed it again. :P

Found it! http://www.atkins.com.hk/hongkong/downloads/case_study_scl2.pdf

They'll basically be moving the "station" for the commuter rail lines to underneath where the existing shops/restaurants are...

Here's what I know:
Installed
-Sunny Bay
-Disneyland

About to be installed from now till year 2012
-Tsuen Wan
-Kwai Hing
-Kwai Fong
-Kowloon Bay
-Ngau Tau Kok
-Kwun Tong
-Heng Fa Chuen
-Chai Wan

Well, Hung Hum looks "indoor", it isn't really. It is enclosed with a building above, but not underground. I think it has fan ventilation with open air, not a/c.

The thing is Sunny Bay, Disneyland, Lok Ma Chau, and Ma On Shan all built from fresh with the PSD installed prior to operation, whereas all other stations are retrofitted from existing platform.

Because each station has to be designed individually, it is going to take a while, especially where the platforms are on a curve.

Found it! http://www.atkins.com.hk/hongkong/downloads/case_study_scl2.pdf

They'll basically be moving the "station" for the commuter rail lines to underneath where the existing shops/restaurants are...

Didn't know that. So before the SCL really goes across the harbour, people have to walk further to and from the CHT bus interchanges, then?

The thing is Sunny Bay, Disneyland, Lok Ma Chau, and Ma On Shan all built from fresh with the PSD installed prior to operation, whereas all other stations are retrofitted from existing platform.


Lok Ma Chau and Ma On Shan line do not have screen doors

cyKqWkdIiag

Didn't know that. So before the SCL really goes across the harbour, people have to walk further to and from the CHT bus interchanges, then?

Guess that's some kind of TOD...

Well, Hung Hum looks "indoor", it isn't really. It is enclosed with a building above, but not underground. I think it has fan ventilation with open air, not a/c.

The thing is Sunny Bay, Disneyland, Lok Ma Chau, and Ma On Shan all built from fresh with the PSD installed prior to operation, whereas all other stations are retrofitted from existing platform.

Because each station has to be designed individually, it is going to take a while, especially where the platforms are on a curve.

Surely Sunny bay needs doors as high speed trains wizz trough. What other primary reason is there to fit PSD's apart from aircon and separation of passengers and high speed trans?

Interestingly it seems the MTR have equipped their stations with re-cycle bins but have no contract in place to take away streamed waste.

So are the bins are just a marketing exercise to look green?

Surely Sunny bay needs doors as high speed trains wizz trough. What other primary reason is there to fit PSD's apart from aircon and separation of passengers and high speed trans?

The big reason is to prevent passenger from falling onto the track, even commit suicide.

Off-topic

@WANCH

Lol I remember a few months ago where you proposed that MTR run for 24/7 + 365 days/year.

All I can say is: As neat as that will sound, I do not think it's an absolute necessity. Remember, trains need to rest as well along with other things like maintenance and inspections.

Besides, it's as if the world will end if MTR is closed for the night. There are other transport methods available like bus or taxi or whatever. Heck, you can just walk if you want to (i.e. no one in HK will ever point a gun at you or stick a bladed weapon at you even if you are the only person in that area at that time)

Just saying :)

Interestingly it seems the MTR have equipped their stations with re-cycle bins but have no contract in place to take away streamed waste.

So are the bins are just a marketing exercise to look green?

I've seen dedicated employees clear out the newspaper recycling bins regularly, especially during the morning rush hour. At Hong Kong Station, they even have a dedicated area for them to work and assemble the collected materials inside the concourse.

I've seen dedicated employees clear out the newspaper recycling bins regularly, especially during the morning rush hour. At Hong Kong Station, they even have a dedicated area for them to work and assemble the collected materials inside the concourse.

but with no contract to enforce segregated waste it is likely that paper will be recycled as there is value in doing that while plastic and metal will be dumped in the free landfill. It seems MTR have confirmed that there is no clause in their waste disposal contract for streamed disposal so basic economics suggests that most will end in landfill and pape will be recycled.

The big reason is to prevent passenger from falling onto the track, even commit suicide.

If that was the case why wasn't the installation schedule based on suicide hot spots? Safer travel is a nice side effect and will probably force the company to adopt screens where there is no financial justification.

If that was the case why wasn't the installation schedule based on suicide hot spots? Safer travel is a nice side effect and will probably force the company to adopt screens where there is no financial justification.

It is meanless to define the schedule according to your so-called "suicide hot spots". Given the reality that you cannot install all screen gates/doors at the same time, even you install the doors at the "hot spots" first, the other "cold spots" that remain without doors will become "hot" until you finally complete installation at all platforms.

Heung Fa Cheun already as PEDs.

MTA Chief Jay Walder Resigns to Lead Hong Kong Transity Operator MTR Corp.
By Henry Goldman - Jul 21, 2011 6:11 PM ET

Jay Walder resigned today as chairman and chief executive officer of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest U.S. transit agency, to head MTR Corp. (66), which runs the Hong Kong subway and other rail lines.

Since becoming MTA CEO in October 2009, Walder, 52, installed electronic signs in subway stations to notify riders of approaching trains and replaced some outdated signal systems.

He also slashed 3,500 jobs and curbed overtime pay over 18 months to cut costs by $525 million. More funding pressure came in March, when the state lowered its contribution to the MTA to help balance its budget.

“In challenging times, we brought stability and credibility to the MTA by making every dollar count, by delivering long-overdue improvements and by refusing to settle for business as usual,” Walder said in an MTA news release.

The MTA said Walder’s efficiency measures will yield $3.8 billion in cumulative savings by 2014, partly from renegotiating contracts with suppliers and health-care providers, and by consolidating functions of the MTA’s rail, bus and subway lines, and several bridges and tunnels. The MTA, which had a $12.1 billion budget in the last fiscal year, will release its preliminary budget next week.

Walder’s challenges included a $9 billion capital-budget deficit that threatens to stall construction of the Second Avenue subway on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and a rail link from Long Island to Grand Central Terminal.

More Cuts

In a report July 20 on the five-year capital program, Walder announced more cuts, including slashing administrative payroll expenses by 15 percent and changes to how the agency conducts track repairs. The moves will generate $4 billion in savings, reducing the cost of the capital program to $24.2 billion, he said.

“He set a new course for the MTA during an extremely difficult period when the agency was not given the resources required to meet the city’s needs,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement. “He is the type of person we can’t afford to lose.”

Walder, who grew up in the Rockaways section of Queens, worked for the MTA for 12 years starting in 1983. He was executive director and chief financial officer from 1993 to 1995 before leaving to head London’s transit system, where he was credited with spearheading its largest investment since World War II. He returned to the MTA in 2009.
Public Company

Walder’s resignation will be effective Oct. 21, and he will assume his position as MTR’s CEO Jan. 1. The publicly traded company 76 percent-owned by the Hong Kong government operates commuter and rail systems linking Hong Kong with Shanghai and Beijing and provides train service in London, Stockholm and Melbourne.

It began a worldwide search for a new leader after CEO Chow Chung Kong, 60, said in December he would retire at the end of this year, when his contract expires.

“Jay Walder has shown true leadership at the helm of the MTA and been a fiscally responsible manager during these difficult financial times,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.”

In a July 19 interview at a conference sponsored by Crain’s New York Business magazine on New York City’s future, Walder dismissed reports he might quit. He told reporters he had “no intention of leaving” and would remain in 2012.

Walder’s spokesman, Jeremy Soffin, said today the MTA chairman didn’t want to answer the question honestly out of concern his departure would be revealed prematurely.

The mayor is founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent, Bloomberg LP.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-21/mta-chief-jay-walder-resigns-to-lead-hong-kong-transity-operator-mtr-corp-.html

I don't know if he can bring much from his NY experience to HK. Over there, funding is a key concern, which is not the case here. The focus of attention of the HK business is vastly different from its American counterparts.

The other problem is the current senior management has not successfully bred a successor. I would've preferred they promoted someone from within.

What does he know about property development and Shopping mall management? The key profit centres for MTR Corp.

I guess he will just fire 30% of the train operating staff and cite $XXXm saved. Even though many of the same services will be sub-contracted.

I don't know if he can bring much from his NY experience to HK. Over there, funding is a key concern, which is not the case here. The focus of attention of the HK business is vastly different from its American counterparts.

The other problem is the current senior management has not successfully bred a successor. I would've preferred they promoted someone from within.

Totally agree with your thought about his past experience in New York, and even in London, where both are heavily subsidized directly by the government on annual basis. He will not to be trying to find money to operate the system in HK, but making money out of it. This is definitely a new challenge for him, and needs a different mindset.

Well anyways, good luck to the new head.

Btw, out of curiosity, how did he get chosen? I always assumed that as MTR is a company in HK, I assumed they'd prioritize local staff and employees to employment and/or promotion of job position over let's say foreigners or non-locals.....or 'imports' (hehe sorry if it may sound offensive :lol:)

Yeah, so did he get chosen? Just asking :)

Well anyways, good luck to the new head.

Btw, out of curiosity, how did he get chosen? I always assumed that as MTR is a company in HK, I assumed they'd prioritize local staff and employees to employment and/or promotion of job position over let's say foreigners or non-locals.....or 'imports' (hehe sorry if it may sound offensive :lol:)

Yeah, so did he get chosen? Just asking :)

Head hunter.

MTR hired a human resource firm to head hunt potential CEO candidate around the world, and then reached out to the individual to see if s/he is intersected. A pretty common thing to do in the business world.

Profit = Revenue - costs

I would suggest that for train operations the only area he can look at is, costs. For property development MTRC already are given billions of $ of subsidies not changing anything would be the best strategy?

Perhaps the Gov wants to split the train system and the property developer parts of the business and know that the MTR is too expensive to run as a stand alone business.

I just hope the MTR system stays clean!

I assumed they'd prioritize local staff and employees to employment and/or promotion of job position over let's say foreigners or non-locals.....or 'imports' (hehe sorry if it may sound offensive :lol:)

It doesn't sound offensive just narrow minded or parochial.

I don't know if he can bring much from his NY experience to HK. Over there, funding is a key concern, which is not the case here. The focus of attention of the HK business is vastly different from its American counterparts.

The other problem is the current senior management has not successfully bred a successor. I would've preferred they promoted someone from within.

He did more damage then good to this system and ignored alot of issues....he said he clean up the corruption but he didn't. I don't think theres anything he can do to ruin the system in HK its too good....

港鐵列車老化 荃灣線亦露罅
2011年07月30日(六)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/v2/logo_tsn.png

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20110730/photo/0730-00407-030b1.jpg

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20110730/photo/0730-00407-030b2.jpg

港鐵列車車卡接駁位疑因老化出現縫隙問題愈演愈烈。繼觀塘線後，本報發現港鐵荃灣線亦有同樣情況，行走該線的部分列車車卡間亦「露罅」，縫隙寬度約二至五毫米，據觀察的十班列車中有五班出現「露罅」問題，有關列車均與觀塘線同款、同年期，即使用約三十年，令「露罅」列車夾傷乘客甚至滲水致漏電的危機繼續擴大。港鐵承認荃灣線的列車屬港鐵第一代列車，曾進行大型翻新工程。

記者昨到荃灣線來回乘搭十班不同編號的列車，發現五成列車的車卡接駁位出現縫隙。部分縫隙由車頂伸延至車身長達一米，闊度最多達五毫米。由於荃灣線與觀塘線一樣，部分路段處於露天位置，包括荔景直至大窩口四個車站的路段，戶外光線透過縫隙射入車廂，從車廂內亦可透過縫隙看到車廂外的商舖、樓宇等，列車行駛中亦較停車時出現較闊的縫隙。有乘客指得知港鐵列車車卡接駁位出現縫隙後，已盡量避免站於該位置。

憂小朋友夾傷指

港鐵則承認荃灣線與觀塘線同樣採用第一代列車，車齡約三十年，而該批列車在九十年代後期曾大型翻新，又指由列車投入服務至今，車廂間接合位設計一直未有改動過，強調車卡之間是由車底鋼鈎扣着，接口位用作封口的膠邊狀況與列車安全運作無影響，指會定期檢查及更換封口膠邊。

觀塘線列車被揭發「露罅」後，不少網民不滿港鐵維修不足，網民Hunter Wing指「港鐵成日都出問題，情願坐巴士好過」；

網民Incident指「港鐵肥上瘦下，減少資源保障乘客安全」；

網民「ap1400」更說笑指「落雨要搭（撐）傘」，亦有網民擔心小朋友會將手指「攝」進罅隙內，希望港鐵在未發生事故前加強安全。

Noticed that a while ago too. Any plans to renew the rolling stock?

港鐵列車老化 荃灣線亦露罅
2011年07月30日(六)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/v2/logo_tsn.png

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20110730/photo/0730-00407-030b1.jpg

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20110730/photo/0730-00407-030b2.jpg



Probably only aged plastic, some new plastic would do the fix.

^^ Yea some new rubber/foam trim would fix the problem, and yea, noticed this even a few years ago on some trains. Would've thought given the heavy use they go through they got replaced every few years.

More importantly, I've noticed the old trains seem to be louder than they were before, and there's more "wheel against rail" metal scraping noise... as well as a few squeaks at the joints between the cars, and the coating on the handlebars have been falling off.

louder indeed, even on the K-stock...

4scvFOIUeKU

http://i.discuss.com.hk/d/attachments/day_110921/20110921_cd148ff71b94a20645c7qVu9kTbmjpjL.jpg
http://mtr.hk365day.com/images/ISL/ss/ADM.png

jvgOKgH-0FY

UdDeanr_ABs

How much is an Airport Express train ride between:
-Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station
and
-Hong Kong Station and Tsing Yi Station
-Kowloon Station and Tsing Yi Station

the MTR website only states fares and pricing rates only for destinations to and from Airport or to and from Asiaworld-Expo (nothing in between)

So yeah, how much would the train ride cost?

Thanks :)

P.S.
Oh yeah, money/cost would not be an object or concern.........and I'm aware of the existence of the Tung Chung train line. My question is with regards to the Airport Express train line. Hope that clears things :)

How much is an Airport Express train ride between:
-Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station
and
-Hong Kong Station and Tsing Yi Station
-Kowloon Station and Tsing Yi Station

the MTR website only states fares and pricing rates only for destinations to and from Airport or to and from Asiaworld-Expo (nothing in between)

So yeah, how much would the train ride cost?

Thanks :)

P.S.
Oh yeah, money/cost would not be an object or concern.........and I'm aware of the existence of the Tung Chung train line. My question is with regards to the Airport Express train line. Hope that clears things :)

During the morning rush, Airport Express provides a special fare for Tsing Yi / Kowloon to Hong Kong - 20 dollars flat.

港鐵購國產列車跑贏通脹

【明報專訊】港鐵斥資11億元購入10架國產列車，平均一卡要1375萬元，較上次於2006年以每卡1190萬元買入的日本列車貴15％，超出同期逾6％通脹。立法會交通事務委員會主席鄭家富認為，港鐵雖為上市公司，但鑑於政府為港鐵最大股東，港鐵應小心考慮成本，確保列車物有所值。


港鐵發言人不評論是否「買貴車」，重申按國際貿易指引招標，確保生產商有能力符合港鐵提出的規格要求。港鐵車務工程總管張少華日前表示，車廂部件在全球採購，信號系統由法國出品，集電弓由日本製造，煞車系統則來自德國。

港鐵2008年全球公開招標，最終決定花11億元向長春客車製造廠購入10列共80卡新車。其中4列已運抵本港測試，其餘6列明年陸續付運。本報翻查資料，1999年至2008年6次列車採購中，國產列車價格較日本、南韓列車最少貴一成。與最近一次、2006年向日本採購的九龍南線列車比較，更貴15％，同期本港通脹幅度為6.35%，反映車價升幅「跑贏」通脹1倍多。


鄭家富關注是否入錯貨


鄭家富表示，國產列車在亞洲地區仍未屬頂尖，造價卻數一數二，關注港鐵有否「入錯貨」，加上該車廠負責製造州列車追撞事故中的肇事列車，港鐵應有足夠維修監察，確保安全。

Focus on safer, quieter trips for new MTR trains
The Standard
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20111011/photo/1011-00407-070b1.jpg
Mainland-made train on the right

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20111011/photo/1011-00407-070b2.jpg

MTR Corp will shortly put into service mainland-made trains which it bought from the Changchun Railway Vehicles Company for HK$1.1 billion.

Out of the 10 trains ordered, four have already arrived in the SAR and are undergoing tests.

Chief of operations Morris Cheung Siu- wa said: "For the first time closed-circuit TVs will be installed in compartments to assist captains in providing help to passengers."

Four CCTV cameras will monitor each compartment and video recordings will be kept for a week.

Asked if this amounts to an invasion of privacy, Cheung said the system is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and not controlling commuters.

ADVERTISEMENT

The trains boast many new features such as three LCD monitors in each compartment to provide passengers with audio-visual infotainment.

The floor is designed to reduce noise from under the train and rubber seals have been installed around door frames to ensure journeys are even quieter. Ventilation in all compartments has also been improved.

Cheung said night testing of the first train began last week on the Kwun Tong Line.

Trains will undergo thorough scrutiny of braking and electrical systems.

They will then be put into service subject to them passing a 4,000-kilometer trouble-free run and being approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. "I hope passengers will understand there may be teething problems as with all new equipment. The new trains are no exception," Cheung said.

Their signaling systems are made in France and the brakes are German.

Cheung said the model of the new trains is not the same as that of the two metro trains that collided in Shanghai last month, injuring at least 271 people.

They will be put into service on the Kwun Tong Line by year-end.

During the morning rush, Airport Express provides a special fare for Tsing Yi / Kowloon to Hong Kong - 20 dollars flat.

I see :)

And outside of the morning discount period (i.e. peak hours), how much is the fare/pricing rate? HK$60 per trip? HK$100 per trip? (which is the maximum price on AEL)

:)

I see :)

And outside of the morning discount period (i.e. peak hours), how much is the fare/pricing rate? HK$60 per trip? HK$100 per trip? (which is the maximum price on AEL)

:)

Don't think the fare system caters for such AE trips outside of rush hour, since you are automatically charged the airport fare upon entry in Central, and fare gates at Tsing Yi / Kowloon automatically deduct the airport fare at those stations. So you may be charged twice for a taxi-like fare.

Maybe you can double-check on the MTR website.

I was told that the brand new mainland-made trains are 10% more expensive than the one from Japan...............it's unbelievable

Don't think the fare system caters for such AE trips outside of rush hour, since you are automatically charged the airport fare upon entry in Central, and fare gates at Tsing Yi / Kowloon automatically deduct the airport fare at those stations. So you may be charged twice for a taxi-like fare.

Maybe you can double-check on the MTR website.

I'll try that but so far, I don't see the option atm (maybe I need to re-investigate). I do wonder if MTR Corp anticipated the possibility that if people like Donald Tsang, Li Ka Shing or PCCW head Richard Li were to go train-riding, then such a fare system would've been posted?

Anyways, if I can't find actual specific fare rates, then I'll just assume that outside of the discount period, it would cost HK$100 per train ride (for AEL journeys that do not start or end at Airport or Asiaworld Expo).

I'll definitely try this out during my next vacation visit :)

I'll try that but so far, I don't see the option atm (maybe I need to re-investigate). I do wonder if MTR Corp anticipated the possibility that if people like Donald Tsang, Li Ka Shing or PCCW head Richard Li were to go train-riding, then such a fare system would've been posted?

Anyways, if I can't find actual specific fare rates, then I'll just assume that outside of the discount period, it would cost HK$100 per train ride (for AEL journeys that do not start or end at Airport or Asiaworld Expo).

I'll definitely try this out during my next vacation visit :)

Well, those super-rich will be taking their private car. Don't think Donald Tsang even rides transit. He has a private car that takes him from his Midlevels residence to the government offices.

I'm actually not sure how you would exit at Kowloon or Tsing Yi since the inbound and outbound platforms are configured differently. But in the worst case, you will pay the city - airport fare when you enter Hong Kong station, + the airport - city fare when you exit at either Tsing Yi or Kowloon.

C Train testing

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Is the C-stock the new trains being built in China?

Looks fine, don't like the color scheme though.

I have a question for Hong Kong forumers. Does the MTRCL have plans of replacing the LED Train Arrival/Advertisement displays on station platforms to LCD screens? Since their Beijing Subway Line 4 and Shenzhen Metro Longhua Line already have LCD Train Arrival/Advertisement displays

I have a question for Hong Kong forumers. Does the MTRCL have plans of replacing the LED Train Arrival/Advertisement displays on station platforms to LCD screens? Since their Beijing Subway Line 4 and Shenzhen Metro Longhua Line already have LCD Train Arrival/Advertisement displays

Haven't heard of such plans. Mainland metros tend to use the big TV screens that broadcast news and commercials along with the next train arrival times. Hong Kong uses a far simpler display showing next arrival only.

http://images5.fotop.net/albums7/poon_jeffrey/kwun_tong/DSC_9312.jpg

http://images5.fotop.net/albums7/poon_jeffrey/kwun_tong/DSC_9318.jpg

It looks like the gates at Kwun Tong station are already up.

I do hope Kowloon Bay Station is next (especially being home of MTR hq) :)

Made in China trains have signal problems...

KDpE2BkedXI

^^Whether they're teething problems or more deeply rooted faults, we'll find out in time. Let's just hope for China's sake that they don't suffer a serious problem, as if mainland goods' reputations weren't bad enough already in HK, let alone around the world.

Not digging the yellow scheme though, looks cheaper and less comfortable on the eyes.

LCQ8: Nuisance behaviour in MTR train compartments
Government Press Release
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Following is a question by the Ir Dr Hon Raymond Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (February 15):

Question:

There have been media reports from time to time that the behaviour of some individual passengers in MTR train compartments contravenes the provisions in the Mass Transit Railway By-Laws (Cap. 556B) (the By-Laws) and causes nuisance to other passengers, and dissuasion or intervention by other passengers often results in verbal or physical conflicts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows the statistics on complaints about acts of contravention or nuisance behaviour of MTR passengers in train compartments in each of the past three years;

(b) of the number of passengers being prosecuted for breaching the By-Laws in the past three years, broken down by year and the act of contravention concerned; and

(c) whether it knows if the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) has assigned dedicated staff members to report on passengers who contravene the By-Laws; if MTRCL has not, of the reasons for that; if MTRCL has, whether MTRCL will consider stepping up its efforts in reporting on such passengers in order to achieve a deterrent effect and reduce disputes among passengers caused by such acts of contravention?

Reply:

President,

The reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

(a) The number of passenger complaints received by MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) from 2009 to 2011 against inappropriate passenger behaviour occurred within the railway premises is as follows:

Year 2009 2010 2011
Number of complaints 49 60 125

The above complaint cases involve passengers bringing oversized luggage into railway premises, eating or drinking inside the paid area, sitting on train floor, playing inside stations, indulging in personal behaviour that causes nuisance to other passengers, and asking passengers for newspapers or soliciting for business, etc.

The MTRCL does not maintain separate figures on the number of complaints against inappropriate passenger behaviour inside train compartments.

(b) Matters such as fares and tickets, conduct of passengers and activities of members of the public within the railway premises etc are regulated by the Mass Transit Railway By-laws (MTR By-laws).

The number of cases in which passengers demonstrated inappropriate behaviour that violated MTR By-laws and were prosecuted between 2009 and 2011 is set out in the Annex.

When handling passengers' inappropriate behaviour, MTR staff will generally make verbal requests or issue written warnings depending on the seriousness of the situation. If the inappropriate behaviour is not rectified after repeated requests, MTR staff will collect relevant personal information from the passenger for initiating prosecution. In fact, in most cases, the passengers concerned will stop their inappropriate behaviour after MTR staff have made requests or issued written warnings.

(c) MTR staff conducts patrols in stations and train compartments on a daily basis to perform related duties. The MTRCL encourages passengers to report to MTR staff as soon as possible in case they are disturbed by other passengers' behaviour for immediate handling.

To strengthen its efforts in combating fare evasion, enforcing MTR By-laws and to assist in the management of passenger flow in stations more effectively, the MTRCL set up the By-laws Inspection Unit (BIU) in April 2009, which consists of 29 staff with experience in disciplinary services and 74 contract security staff. The BIU works hand-in-hand with station staff, the Ticket Inspection Unit and the Railway District Police to maintain order in stations.

Meanwhile, the MTRCL reminds passengers to be considerate and not to cause any inconvenience to other passengers through regular passenger education and promotional activities such as conducting courtesy and safety campaigns, as well as through the media, in-train public announcements, passenger publications and promotional leaflets.

Annex : http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201202/15/P201202150171_0171_90173.pdf

港鐵客爆粗235宗罰款
2012年02月17日(五)
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【本報訊】港鐵去年就乘客不當行為作出七百一十二宗檢控，當中一半是乘客及水貨客在東鐵線月台及車廂上，霸佔空間分發貨物及阻塞通道而被檢控。至於第二多的檢控類別則為乘客「講粗口」，有二百三十五宗。

港鐵的數字顯示，去年有三百五十六人因沒有遵從港鐵職員勸告或合理指示而被檢控，罰款二千元，有關個案主要涉及乘客於東鐵線月台及車廂上攜帶大型行李、處理貨物或阻塞通道而阻礙其他乘客。

其次是乘客使用粗言穢語，有二百三十五宗檢控個案，最高可被罰款五千元；飲食及吸煙的檢控分別有二十九及四十二宗。而港鐵去年有一宗構成火災危險檢控，是一名乘客攜帶易燃物品進入港鐵。

港鐵去年又接獲一百二十五宗有關乘客不當行為的投訴，按年升逾一倍，主要是投訴他人在付費區內飲食、攜帶大型行李等。

MTR mascots to put bite on snackers after online storm
The Standard
Thursday, February 23, 2012

MTR Corp is stepping up its campaign against eating on trains after the outlawed habit sparked a war of words between locals and mainlanders.

The company revealed yesterday it issued 11,640 warnings to transgressors last year, up 34 percent on 2010.

The beefed-up campaign includes hanging new mascots above turnstiles and putting advertising boxes along escalators, as well as on platforms.

The mascots are wrapped around the Chinese character that means "refrain."

"The new campaign is aimed at refreshing our passengers' memory, and drawing their attention to keep our trains clean," MTR operations head Ivan Lai Ching-kai said.

"It is not directed at any particular group of passengers."

Furthermore, from next Friday, the campaign slogan, "Inside paid areas, enjoy the ride. When outside, enjoy your food" will appear on posters and stickers.

Lai said MTR staff will ask travelers to follow the rules but they may issue written warnings if the advice is ignored.

Passengers face fines of HK$5,000 if prosecuted.

Staff will also conduct daily patrols in stations and carriages.

In a related development, lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan has suggested the government invite controversial Peking University professor Kong Qingdong to Hong Kong for an exchange of views.

Kong is the mainland academic who described Hongkongers as "running dogs of the British government" after seeing a video clip online of locals scolding a group of mainland visitors for eating on the MTR.

Lee said his remarks have irritated the public, and that inviting him here will strengthen his understanding of the legal system and freedom of speech.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam Chi-yuen said the government draws up a guest list of scholars each year for academic exchanges, but Kong is not on the list this year.

Tam reiterated that the remarks made by the professor are offensive and go "beyond academic deliberations."

東鐵馬鐵裝月台幕門等多10年
2012年03月03日(六)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/v2/logo_tsn.png

【本報訊】港鐵東鐵線及馬鐵線遲遲未安裝月台幕門，港鐵昨於立法會交通事務委員會鐵路事宜小組會議上，堅持東鐵、馬鐵線的月台幕門須與沙中線工程掛鈎，不能獨立加快進行，即乘客須多等約十年待沙中線完工才可增設幕門！多名議員怒轟港鐵歎慢板，令致每年發生七、八十宗乘客墮軌傷亡意外。議員又要求當局承諾不將幕門工程成本轉嫁乘客，但當局僅支吾以對指會尋求方法令乘客毋須分擔成本，不肯確切承諾。

港鐵車務工程總管梁泉材表示，在東鐵線加裝幕門需解決技術問題，獨立加裝幕門需時約十年，與沙中線一併進行時間相若；另外若在馬鐵線先裝幕門，將來須配合沙中線工程改建月台，令裝好的幕門需拆卸，浪費資源，故加裝幕門應與沙中線工程同步進行。立法會多名議員如陳克勤、李鳳英、黃成智、鄭家富等狠批港鐵諸多藉口不裝幕門，「廣告燈箱又加得咁快！」、「錢就識賺、價又識加，必要安全措施就歎慢板！」梁指已聘請二百多名月台助理保障乘客安全。

議員亦要求近年每年盈利約百億元的港鐵承諾不要將上述幕門工程成本轉嫁乘客，認為保障乘客安全是港鐵責任。但運輸及房屋局副局長邱誠武在議員多番追問下，只表示正與港鐵商討合適辦法令乘客不用分擔幕門成本。

會上亦討論沙中線進度，運輸及房屋局局長鄭汝樺指，沙中線主體工程將於今年中動工，當局將於本月二十三日再向立法會申請五百七十多億撥款。她指雖然港珠澳大橋環評官司令沙中線環評程序延遲約八個月，但工程價格沒有因而明顯上升，現仍維持在六百多億元，與○九年估價相若。

More trains to take strain from travelers
The Standard
Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Peak-hour congestion on MTR lines is expected to ease later this month when five more trains are introduced.

MTR Corp said yesterday there will be an additional 368 trips on the Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong and Island lines, while waiting times during evening peak hours on the Tsuen Wan Line will be 10 to 20 seconds shorter.

The extra trains and increased frequency will boost carrying capacity by 800,000-passenger trips per week.

The changes will come into force from March 24-26.

"We believe the enhancements will allow passengers to enjoy an even more efficient train service and a more comfortable traveling environment that is less crowded," MTR Corp chief executive Jay Walder said.

The improvements are part of the company's listening-responding program for which it has set aside more than HK$1 billion.

Operations director Jacob Kam Chak-pui said services will be improved where demand is heaviest, such as the "peak of the peak" periods on the Tsuen Wan Line and during weekends on all three lines. Waiting times for morning peak services on the Tsuen Wan Line will be shortened to two minutes, an improvement of eight seconds.

The stepped-up evening peak services will begin earlier at 5pm to ease passenger buildup on platforms.

Waiting times for weekend services will also be shortened on the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines, but only on Sundays for the Island Line.

The Sunday wait for Kwun Tong trains from 8.45am to 8.30pm, for example, will be shortened to 3.5 to four minutes, from the current five minutes.

Half a minute will be shaved off the waiting times for trains on the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines during meal times on Saturdays.

Kam said there will be no fare increases despite the changes.

More than 500 new staff will be recruited to assist at stations and ensure smooth passenger flows.

Orders for four more trains have been placed, to be delivered in two years.

The company conducted a trial a week ago by increasing train frequency on the Tsuen Wan Line during the evening rush hour.

Footage from Admiralty station at 5.50pm showed congestion had eased by about a third, compared with the same time the previous evening.

I was waiting for the next train at Tai Koo station at 4pm after missing the one before it. It took literally 92 seconds for it to come. I swear... that frequency is amazing. Also, it usually takes 150 seconds for trains to come to Heng Fa Chuen Station.

港鐵10個廁所要起八年
2012年03月20日(二)
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http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20120320/photo/0320-00407-075b1.jpg

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20120320/photo/0320-00407-075b2.jpg

港鐵遲遲未在全線車站設置洗手間惹人詬病，昨宣布在二○一五年年底前，在旺角、太子及金鐘三個轉線車站加設公共洗手間，餘下尚未有洗手間的七個轉線車站，則要到二○二○年年底前才有洗手間使用。至於非轉線車站加建洗手間的問題，港鐵指技術有困難難以加裝。有民間監察團體批評港鐵拖延，質疑「起一個廁所有幾困難！」

港鐵計劃斥資逾十億元推行一系列改善服務措施，除加強列車班次、增購新列車外，亦會提升車站設施。現時港鐵有八十三個全日運作的車站（不計馬場站），僅四十個設有公共洗手間。港鐵車務工程總管梁泉材昨表示，旺角、太子及金鐘站將於二○一五年年底前增建洗手間，餘下包括尖沙咀、北角等車站要到二○二○年年底前才加裝，上環站公共洗手間將於今年第三季落成。

現時三十多個非轉線車站仍未有公共洗手間，港鐵以技術為由表示難以安裝，梁解釋，由於原先設計未有包含建洗手間，要加裝有技術困難。

面對人口老化及為鼓勵殘疾人士外出，港鐵會於二○一五年年底前在十個車站裝置升降機，明年年底前在三十個車站加設五十二部新闊閘機。

港鐵向用八達通乘客收取一角加裝幕門的費用，港鐵預計一五年便停收。日後一些新車站加裝幕門會否再徵費，港鐵表示正與港府商討，傾向不再徵費。民間監察公共事業聯委會發言人蔡耀昌批評，要多等八年才僅多十個車站有洗手間是不合理。

MTR splashes out with toilets
The Standard
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Public toilets at three of the busiest MTR interchange stations will be installed as part of a HK$1 billion investment to improve services.

The toilets will be in place at Mong Kok, Prince Edward and Admiralty stations by 2015, with the remaining seven interchange stations earmarked to receive similar facilities by 2020.

At present only 10 of the 20 interchange stations have toilets.

The company will also install new external lifts at 13 stations to connect concourses with street levels.

Lifts at four of the stations are slated to be completed by the end of the year, while the rest will have them within three years.

"The initiatives are directly related to what customers are asking us to do more of, which includes easing crowding, improving access to stations, adding public toilet facilities and speeding up the installation of automatic platform gates," MTR Corp chief executive Jay Walder said yesterday.

Chief of operations engineering David Leung Chuen-choi said the company's new direction on public toilets follows the success of installing facilities at Sheung Wan station when it was modified as part of the West Island Line works.

The facilities will make journeys more convenient and comfortable for the elderly, wheelchair-bound commuters and those traveling with prams or large items, Leung said.

He added it will be difficult to put toilets in all MTR stations owing to technical difficulties with plumbing and sewage lines.

Other initiatives include installing 52 more wide gates in 30 stations by mid-2013, and the addition of 231 platform seats in 50 stations by the end of this year.

The company has boosted train frequency with an additional 368 trips on the Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong and Island lines.

Commuters have welcomed the new initiatives.

Retiree Chan Kin-hung likes the external elevator plan because after taking the lift to the station concourse at Shau Kei Wan he still has to walk some distance to get out of the building.

But others, like student Derek Kwok Yu- fan, are unhappy that commuters will have to wait until 2020 for toilets at all interchange stations. "I wonder why it takes eight years to build a simple toilet," Kwok said.

6GW78AVJYew

LCQ4: Railway noise in Tai Kok Tsui
Government Press Release
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Following is a question by the Dr Hon Priscilla Leung and a reply by the Secretary for Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (April 18):

Question:

Recently I have received quite a number of complaints from residents in the vicinity of the MTR Olympic Station, indicating that because of the open air design of the rail sections of the MTR Tung Chung Line and Airport Express adjacent to the housing estates (namely, the Central Park and the Park Avenue) in that district, and in the absence of noise barriers, the nearby residents have been suffering from excessive noise nuisance produced by trains running through the aforesaid sections for years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows, other than the East Rail Line, the total number of rail sections which adopt an open air design and are close to residential buildings at present; of the total number of complaints the authorities had received in the past three years from residents living on both sides of the open air rail sections concerning railway traffic noise;

(b) of the existing criteria based on which the authorities request the MTR Corporation Limited (“MTRCL”) to retrofit semi-enclosures similar to those retrofitted along the East Rail Line section near Yim Po Fong Street in Mong Kok or full enclosures along the open air rail sections close to residential buildings for noise mitigation purpose; whether the Government has specified the distance between MTR rails and residential buildings at present; and

(c) whether the Environmental Protection Department has sent its staff to measure the noise level on both sides of the open air rail sections of the Olympic Station near the Park Avenue; if it has, of the data so collected; whether the Government has plans to require MTRCL to retrofit full enclosures along the aforesaid sections; if it has, whether it knows the timetable for the retrofitting works?

Reply

President,

(a) Excluding the East Rail Line and the Light Rail of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), there are a total of eight sections of railway lines which are of open track or viaduct design and close to residential buildings. Details are set out in the Annex.

The number of noise complaints related to running trains received by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in the past three years, i.e. from 2009 to 2011, are 25, 30 and 28 respectively.

(b) The Technical Memorandum under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) prescribes three categories of noise standards for trains in accordance with the area sensitivity rating. For the time period between 7 am and 11 pm, the standards are 60 dB(A), 65 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) respectively. In general, the noise standards are 60 dB(A) for domestic premises in rural area and 70 dB(A) for domestic premises in urban area. The standards for the time period between 11 pm and 7 am are set at 10 dB(A) lower than the relevant daytime standards.

To comply with the above statutory noise standards for trains, the MTRCL may need to adopt noise abatement measures where appropriate. The MTRCL may undertake whatever abatement measures appropriate in the circumstances. The NCO does not prescribe the separation distance between railways and domestic premises or the design of noise barriers for railways.

All new railways must be planned to comply with the noise standards under the NCO through incorporating good design and suitable noise abatement measures in accordance with the requirements under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).

Regarding the railways in operation, the EPD will require the MTRCL to make improvements if the noise levels of the trains are found to have exceeded the standards under the NCO. On receipt of a complaint, the EPD will require the MTRCL to consider the merits of each individual complaint and adopt measures to abate the noise from running trains as far as practicable and with due regard to the actual conditions of the rail sections involved, the technology available and the site conditions. Measures to reduce noise generated during railway operation include regular grinding of the tracks and wheels; proper maintenance of trains and rails; application of lubricant to the tracks and wheels; adjusting the running patterns of trains and reducing train speed where feasible; provision of wheel dampers; welding all the weldable track joints to reduce noise generated by wheel movements on the track; and provision of noise barriers.

Nevertheless, for the railway lines that were built before the NCO and the EIAO came into effect, such as the East Rail Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line and Island Line, there are practical difficulties and constraints in retrofitting them with noise abatement facilities. In this connection, section 37 of the NCO also stipulates that the NCO shall apply to the MTRCL only so far as is practicable and compatible with the discharge of any function or the exercise of any power or duty conferred or imposed upon it according to law.

(c) In response to earlier complaints from residents, the EPD has conducted investigations at several locations in the Olympic area in Tai Kok Tsui about the noise emanating from the open tracks. In 2003, the EPD found that the levels of train noise near the old buildings of Pok Man Street to the north of Olympic Station at night exceeded the above statutory standards. Subsequently, the MTRCL reduced the noise level of running trains to within the statutory limits through track grinding, reducing the train speed and installing by the end of 2010 noise barriers to the north of Olympic Station. The EPD has also conducted investigations at Harbour Green, Island Harbourview and the Long Beach in response to the complaints from residents. There was no exceedance of the above statutory standards. For the housing estates located to the south of the Station (including the Central Park and the Park Avenue), noise mitigation measures had been incorporated in these developments at the planning stage, as reflected in the podium design, building layout and disposition. Measurement by the EPD staff at Central Park Block 1, the block closest to the railway in 2009 showed that the train noise did not exceed the statutory limits. Measurement was conducted by the department at Central Park again last week and there was no exceedance of the standards also. The EPD would continue to monitor the situation and check whether it is necessary to require the MTRCL to adopt further noise abatement measures.

Annex : http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/18/P201204180304_0304_92641.pdf

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6938411433_835992f73a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mc_max/6938411433/)
Follow the Light (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mc_max/6938411433/) by McMax_Wan (http://www.flickr.com/people/mc_max/), on Flickr

三鐵路走廊擬貫通北區
2012年04月21日(六)
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http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20120421/photo/0421-00407-067b1.jpg

【本報訊】港府昨發表「我們未來的鐵路」諮詢文件，顧問提出新界三項大型跨區鐵路走廊的構思，包括港深西部快速軌道機場聯絡線、屯荃鐵路及北環線，收集市民對長遠鐵路發展的意見，未來三個月會在各區舉辦巡迴展覽及公眾論壇等活動。

政府委託顧問就《鐵路發展策略2000》進行檢討及研究後，提出三項鐵路走廊的初步構思，首先是連接本港赤鱲角機場至深圳寶安國際機場的港深西部快速軌道機場聯絡線。

該鐵路線共分三部分，主線為機場或港珠澳大橋香港口岸為起點，由南向北經新界西北、后海灣至深圳機場，車程預計二十五分鐘；跨界支線則為洪水橋到達下白泥與主線共用管道，車程十二分鐘。

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The new trains aren't too good are they?

LCQ3: MTR fares and the Fare Adjustment Mechanism
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, in the Legislative Council today (April 25):

Question:

The MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") recorded a surplus of $14.7 billion last year, but it announced in March this year that it will increase MTR fares by as high as 5.4% in June this year in accordance with the Fare Adjustment Mechanism ("FAM") which provides for both upward and downward adjustments, and it will at the same time provide some fare concessions. This is the third consecutive year that MTR fares are being increased and the rate of increase this year is the highest since the implementation of FAM in 2009, resulting in an increase in passengers’ travel expenses. Yet, MTR incidents occur frequently; according to the figures provided to this Council by the Transport and Housing Bureau, 839 railway related incidents which have to be reported to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department in accordance with the Mass Transit Railway Regulations occurred last year, representing an increase of 9% over the figure of 2010. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows the fare concessions that MTRCL offered to passengers in the past three years, and the respective numbers of passengers who benefitted from such concessions as well as the expenditures incurred, and set out the figures in table form;

(b) of the current review procedures of FAM; whether it will review FAM earlier and consider including in FAM the authority of the Government to vet and approve fare adjustments to prevent MTRCL from effectuating fare increases automatically according to FAM; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) whether it will in the future consider linking the rate of increase in MTR fares to the number of the aforesaid railway related incidents as a penalty system, and to monitor the performance of MTR; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and how the Government will ensure that such incidents of MTR will not occur persistently, and timely and quality services will be provided?

Reply:

President,

Since the rail merger in December 2007, fare adjustment of the MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") has been subject to an objective and transparent Fare Adjustment Mechanism ("FAM"). The FAM, formulated after extensive discussion in the community and by the Legislative Council ("LegCo"), has replaced the pre-merger fare autonomy of the MTRCL.

Under the current FAM, the fare adjustment rate for the prevailing year is determined in accordance with a direct-drive formula linked to the year-on-year percentage changes in both the Composite Consumer Price Index ("CCPI") and the Nominal Wage Index (Transportation Section) ("Wage Index") in December of the previous year, as well as a productivity factor.

The MTRCL reduced its fares immediately after the merger. Such reductions included (1) a minimum of 10% decrease in Octopus fares for long-haul trips; (2) a minimum of 5% decrease in Octopus fares for mid-haul trips; and (3) a commitment to freeze its fares in the first two years following the merger until June 30, 2009. The FAM was not introduced until 2009 after the merger and the first fare increase was implemented in 2010.

The Census and Statistics Department published the CCPI and Wage Index for December 2011 on January 20 and March 26, 2012 respectively. With reference to these indices, the computation results of the FAM indicate an adjustment rate of +5.4% in the overall MTR fares for 2012.

According to the FAM procedures laid down in the Operating Agreement ("OA") signed between the Government and the MTRCL in August 2007, the MTRCL is required to provide the Government with two certificates issued by an independent third party to certify that its fare adjustment is in compliance with the FAM. It is also required to formally notify the Panel on Transport of the LegCo and the Transport Advisory Committee three weeks prior to the implementation of the new fares. As the OA is a legally binding document, the Government will act in accordance with the mechanism and ensure that the MTRCL complies with the relevant accounting and notification requirements.

Railway is the backbone of the public transport system in Hong Kong and forms the core of our transport strategy. The MTR network currently covers the residential areas occupied by 70% of our population. With an average daily patronage of over 4 million passenger trips, the MTR has become the most popular mode of public transport in Hong Kong.

Given the relatively high inflation rate at present and thus a heavy financial burden on the local community, the Government shares the view of the public that the MTRCL should, apart from considering its commercial operations, give due regard to its corporate social responsibility. While providing safe and efficient railway services, the MTRCL should also strive to help the public reduce fare expenses. Therefore, the Government has urged the MTRCL to take into account the overall macro-economic environment and implement more and various effective fare concessions so as to address the needs of passengers and alleviate their burden of travelling expenses.

My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:

(a) Over the past three years, major fare promotions and concessions provided by the MTRCL include fare concession for children; Student Travel Scheme; fare concession and $2 fare promotion for the elderly; fare concession for Persons with Disabilities; Monthly Pass and Day Pass; free interchange offer and Light Rail Personalised Octopus Frequent User Bonus Scheme; "Ride $100 Get $5 MTR Shop Coupon" promotion scheme; and "Ride $100 Get 1 Free" promotion scheme; etc. MTRCL's major fare promotions and concessions, as well as the number of passengers benefitted and the amount involved, are at Annex.

(b) Regarding the review of the FAM for the MTR fares, the OA stipulates that the Government or the MTRCL may request a review on the FAM in the fifth year after the merger or every fifth year thereafter. We shall initiate the review in the second half of 2012 and discuss with the MTRCL, with a view to completing the exercise by late 2012 or early 2013.

At the time of the rail merger, the establishment of the FAM and the elements contained in its formula were thoroughly discussed and considered by the community and the LegCo. The CCPI adopted by the current mechanism reflects to a certain extent the macro-economic environment of Hong Kong whereas the Wage Index reflects the staff cost of the MTRCL. As such, it may be said that the economy and wage precede the activation of any fare adjustment.

It will be five years in December 2012 following the rail merger. To better prepare for the FAM review to be carried out in the second half of the year, we have engaged a consultant to conduct a study. The consultant will examine the relevant issues objectively and comprehensively. The study will include whether and how new elements in addition to the data linked with the economic performance, wage index and productivity factor should be introduced in the FAM so as to reflect the operating costs, profit level, efficiency of operation and service performance of the MTRCL as well as the affordability of general public, etc., thereby improving the mechanism. Recommendations made therein will serve as our reference in the upcoming review.

As to whether approving procedures should be introduced to the mechanism, we are open-minded at this stage. Of course, we expect the future mechanism would be a transparent and simple one based on objective indicators. The consultancy study is still underway. We shall take into consideration the findings of the consultancy study upon its completion, as well as consult and listen to the views of various sectors.

(c) The MTRCL has a grave responsibility of providing safe railway services to the community. The Government has all along required the MTRCL to offer safe, reliable and efficient railway services at all times. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department ("EMSD") is responsible for monitoring the safety of railway systems. It will conduct post-incident investigations to ensure that the MTRCL will take appropriate follow-up and improvement measures. The EMSD will also conduct regular inspections to check whether the MTRCL has carried out railway system maintenance works as scheduled to ensure railway safety.

Under the Mass Transit Railway Regulations, the MTRCL has to notify the EMSD of any incident that occurred at any part of the entire railway premises which has a direct bearing on the safe operation of the railway. The figures mentioned by the Honourable Chan are the number of railway incidents along various MTR railway lines that were caused by railway equipment failure, staff behaviour, passenger/public behaviour as well as other external factors and that were notifiable to the EMSD in accordance with the Regulations. The EMSD stated that, among the railway incidents in 2011, over 90% were caused by passenger/public behaviour and other external factors such as passengers being nipped by train doors when dashing into the compartments, trespassing and fallen trees under tropical typhoons, etc. Less than 10% were caused by railway equipment failure and staff behaviour. Subsequent to an analysis of the incidents concerned, the EMSD found no systemic safety concerns in the MTR services.

In our opinion, the most important task after the occurrence of a railway incident is to identify the contributory cause and resume normal train services as soon as possible so that the impact to the public can be minimised.

As for how to apportion blame for the incidents or setting up a demerit system, we are also open-minded. We should however bear in mind that any suggestion should not unnecessarily incur additional pressure on frontline railway staff, so that it would not bring about any adverse impact on railway safety checks and emergency repairs in their attempt to avoid points being deducted when carrying out repair works within tight timeframes.

Separately, given the lengthy operational hours and high utilisation of the territory-wide railway network, with hundreds of thousands of systems and components operating non-stop, it is practically impossible to achieve a scenario of "zero incident". Notwithstanding, we have all along demanded the MTRCL to give safety the highest priority, as under no circumstances should safety be compromised. As to how MTRCL's service performance may be assessed comprehensively and objectively, and linked to the FAM, it is a complicated issue which will be examined in the upcoming review.

Annex : http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/25/P201204250277_0277_92919.pdf

Three rail lines may be on the cards, says bureau

Second stage of transport projects for post-2020 development will improve domestic congestion


Anita Lam
May 08, 2012

At least three more railway projects - including a Siu Sai Wan extension and a spur line parallel to the Island Line - could be proposed after the government decides this year on the rail projects for the next stage of post-2020 development.The Transport and Housing Bureau said it did not mention these extensions when it singled out three links last month for the next round, as the need for them was largely reliant on which of the proposals the public endorsed.

However, transport analysts say the public was deprived of the full picture when the proposed rail links were not mentioned previously. They rejected claims that the rail lines are inter-dependent.
The bureau last month released a study commissioned by engineering firm Aecom a year ago on railway development after 2020.
It singled out for public discussion two domestic lines - the Northern Link from Kam Tin to Lok Ma Chau, and the Tsuen Wan-Tuen Mun Link - and a multibillion-dollar cross-border railway connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports.
Responding to queries from the South China Morning Post (SEHK: 0583 (http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/template.PAGE/page.company_profile/?companyId=0583.HK&s=business&ss=scmpIR), announcements (http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/template.PAGE/page.company_profile/?companyId=0583.HK&s=business&ss=scmpIR#investor_relation), news (http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/template.PAGE/page.company_profile/?companyId=0583.HK&s=business&ss=scmpIR#news)) , the bureau said that was only the first stage which "focuses on major regional railway corridors".
In the second stage, it would study localised improvements and congestion relief.
In the second stage, for instance, commuters could travel directly from Siu Sai Wan to either Chai Wan or Heng Fa Chuan, while in East Kowloon, commuters could travel directly to Central and Admiralty without having to change at North Point.
"As the major regional corridors will affect the traffic distribution of the whole network and may potentially shift bottlenecks, it is logical to divide the study into two stages," a bureau spokeswoman said.
But an MTR Corp executive, who declined to be identified, says it is hard to see how, for instance, the airport link - which has a spur line connecting Tuen Mun to the Tung Chung Line - could have an impact on whether the North Island Line should be built.
"That spur line mainly serves movements between New Territories west and north Lantau, while the North Island Line serves to ease the mounting burden of North Point as an interchange station and handles movements between East Kowloon and Island west," the executive said.
The two proposed domestic lines would also have little effect on the extensions, the executive says.
It is also disappointing that no railway projects were proposed to facilitate the east-west movements, the executive says, noting the MTR's suggestion from a long time ago to connect Sha Tin or Tai Wai with Lai King and Tsuen Wan - a route now dominated by minibuses.
Hung Wing-tat, a veteran transport analyst, says it is a waste of public funds to split the study of the railway blueprint into two phases.
"The government paid for the study and we expect the consultant to give us a thorough report on all possible lines, and not just part of it," Hung said.
"I don't think these lines are so inter-dependent on one another. I wonder if they wanted to rush to announce the results before the new administration takes over."
Of the three proposed railway lines, officials believe the airport link might be the most profitable following the addition of two spur lines, which would attract travellers between Hung Shui Kiu and Qianhai two newly developed areas in Hong Kong and the mainland, respectively.http://www.scmp.com/files/SCMP/News/Static%20Files/SCM_News_Rail08.ART_1.jpg

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