MTR [Archive] - SkyscraperCity

hkskyline

July 31st, 2004, 10:12 PM

Since operations began in 1979, the MTR Railway has become one of the most important elements of Hong Kong's transportation network.

With a railway network of 87.7 kilometres route with 50 stations, the MTR carries over 2.3 million passengers a day - one of the most intensively utilized systems in the world.

To meet escalating passenger demands, the Corporation expanded its train fleet from 140 cars in 1979 to 1,050 cars in 2002 (including 88 cars for the Airport Express), 86% of which are in service to meet the daily morning peak demand.

Significant progress has been made with the construction of new lines and associated property developments. The Tseung Kwan O Extension is the newest line to be completed and commenced service in August 2002. Earlier in July 2002, the MTR was awarded both the Penny's Bay Rail Link and the Tung Chung Cable Car projects. Consultation is now in progress on the proposed South Island Line and West Island Line as a railway alternative to the transport needs of the west and south sides of Hong Kong Island.

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/8696/map01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/5606/marking01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/4685/gate01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/4982/wc01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/6609/cause01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/1453/cause02.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/5006/cause03.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/743/pts01.jpg

Tseung Kwan O Extension Project
Tseung Kwan O Extension (TKE) is the 6th operational line of the MTR Corporation, which serves Tseung Kwan O new town and Yau Tong. The TKE project features 33 major contracts, 13 for the civil works and 20 for the electrical and mechanical works. All construction works have been completed. The line was opened to the public on 18 August 2002 including five stations, namely Yau Tong, Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O, Hang Hau and Po Lam as well as the depot in Area 86 together with the improved Quarry Bay and North Point Stations. A further station will be added to the Line at Tseung Kwan O South. Trains operate at the same speed and frequency as the other MTR urban lines (80 km/hr and ultimately 105 seconds headways)

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/extensions/images/tke_map_tkos.gif

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/9480/np01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/8508/hh01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/3848/hh02.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/2416/pl01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/6881/yt06.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/9656/yt02.jpg

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http://img36.exs.cx/img36/4260/yt04.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/8669/yt03.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/9066/yt01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/4113/tko01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/1610/tkl01.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/9766/tkl02.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/2974/tkl03.jpg

http://img36.exs.cx/img36/7130/tkl04.jpg

ailiton

July 31st, 2004, 10:48 PM

http://a2.cpimg.com/image/22/B6/37035042-2dd8-02000199-.jpg

http://a0.cpimg.com/image/20/B6/37035040-6cb2-02000199-.jpg

ailiton

July 31st, 2004, 10:49 PM

PA (public address): (real player is required)

Please stand back from the doors. (http://www.ushb.net/broadcast/MTR2003/URL-DPA.rm)

Next station: Yau Tong. Interchange station for the Tseung Kwan O line towards North Point. (http://www.ushb.net/broadcast/MTR2004/KTL-YAT-UP-K.rm)

Next station: Wan Chai. Door will open on the left. (http://www.ushb.net/broadcast/MTR2003/ISL-WAC-DN.rm)

Bunny

August 1st, 2004, 01:00 PM

Actually MTR is a government corporation or an individual company?

hkskyline

August 1st, 2004, 04:39 PM

From their website : http://www.mtr.com.hk

Following the partial privatisation and public listing of the Company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in October 2000, the Hong Kong SAR Government now owns around 76% of the Company. The Government has pledged to continue to hold at least 50% shareholding in the Company for at least 20 years from the date of the listing, and to provide the same support to the Company as before the privatisation.

Despite its majority ownership by the Government, the Company is independently managed on commercial principles. It is financially independent and does not rely on any subsidy from the Government.

hkskyline

August 3rd, 2004, 07:40 PM

Tuesday August 3, 4:46 PM
HK's MTR profits surge ten-fold on property sales

HONG KONG, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Hong Kong subway operator MTR Corp said on Tuesday its first-half earnings rose ten-fold, helped by a surge in property sales but a merger with its cross-town counterpart is clouding the outlook.

MTR, which typically derives the bulk of its earnings by developing properties around and above its stations, is merging with suburban rail operator Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp. (KCRC). Both firms are controlled by the cash-strapped Hong Kong government, which wants to cut costs by combining the firms.

"We saw a steady recovery in the Hong Kong economy after SARS. A surge in tourism, improvement in the property market and consumer sentiment all impacted positively on MTR's performance," CK Chow, the firm's chief executive, said in a statement.

"Looking into the second half of 2004, we anticipate steady progress in our rail, station and property investment businesses," he added.

MTR made a net profit of HK$1.18 billion (US$151.3 million) in the first six months of 2004 compared with HK$113 million in the first half of 2003, when SARS devastated an already weak economy.

The results topped a forecast of HK$773 million, according to the average four analysts polled by Reuters, due to higher than expected revenue from the firm's property developments.

The firm's earnings from property totalled HK$1.15 billion, a 70 percent jump, largely due to proceeds from developments on the Tung Chung line, which runs from Hong Kong's central business district to the outlying island of Lantau.

In the first half, the number of passengers travelling on the firm's five subway lines rose 12 percent and travellers on the express line to the city's airport rose 32.5 percent from the first half of 2003.

For the full year, analysts expect the firm to make a net profit of HK$3.5 billion, less than 2003's HK$4.45 billion.

The firm proposed a divided of HK$0.14 a share -- the same amount paid in the first half of 2003.

MERGER LOOMS

The cash-strapped Hong Kong government has given the territory's two railway operators until the end of August to come up with a merger plan intended to remove duplication and bolster efficiency.

The rail firms together have assets worth more than US$24 billion. No financial terms have been disclosed but MTR said it will work towards a solution that would win support of its minority shareholders.

KCRC focuses largely on the lower-return railway business and could be saddled with heavy capital demands due to new projects.

"The possible merger with KCRC remains the main risk factor -- we continue to believe a viable option would be for KCRC to be injected into MTRC in stages," J.P Morgan wrote in a client note.

MTR said it is on track to submit the proposal to the government on August 31.

While the merger with KCRC will keep MTR's focus at home, the firm is expanding overseas. That potential growth driver has helped its stock price rise 15 percent in 2004.

The stock is the fifth best performing Hong Kong blue-chip so far this year, beating a two percent slide on the benchmark Hang Seng .

In April, MTR said it had agreed to form a joint venture to build and operate a city railway line in Beijing worth 16 billion yuan (US$1.93 billion). The firm has also won a contract to build and operate a subway line in nearby Shenzhen, China.

(US$=8.28 yuan)

mlafleur

January 28th, 2009, 11:37 PM

I'm wondering if anybody knows daily pedestrian traffic statistics for different MTR stations?

Hong Kong's public transportation system is simply amazing! I'd love to know how many people are passing through some stations. I'm sure the numbers are astonishing. If anybody knows where I can find these stats it would be greatly appreciated!

eX.A.K.R.

March 14th, 2009, 06:23 PM

Hello, I'm a fellow forumer from Singapore and I have a question regarding two of your MTR lines.

I have read up a bit about the Ma On Shan Line and Tung Chung Line on your MTR system, and I had like to know:

1. The Ma On Shan Line was originally built and operated by the KCR, as a branch from the East Rail Line. Ex-KCR lines, from what I have read, are commuter railway lines, and KCR was also by and large a commuter railway company. However, from the maps I have seen on Wikipedia and from what I have read, the Ma On Shan Line is more akin to a rapid transit line (of the mdeium capacity variety no less). So, what sort of rail line is the Ma On Shan Line actually? It could seem a bit of an overkill to me to classify that line as a commuter railway line.

2. The Tung Chung Line is a line that had been operated by the MTR since before the MTR-KCR merger, but from the maps of the line I have seen, as well as some YouTube videos, the line appears to me to be more like a commuter railway line. In fact, on Wikipedia somewhere the Airport Express Line (which parallels the Tung Chung Line) is classified as a commuter railway line. The line also seems completely seperated from the other original MTR lines, and - with the exception of four K-Stock trains - all rolling stock on that line seems exclusively designed for that particular line. Even the K-Stock trains on that line were built new just for that line, and not transfers from elsewhere. So is the Tung Chung Line a rapid transit line that is technically part of the original MTR system, or a purpose-built commuter railway line that is considered part of the original MTR network but technically a seperate system?

Kaitak747

March 16th, 2009, 06:40 AM

港鐵高清屏幕廣告多賺3倍

http://www.mingpaonews.com/20090316/_16GQ001_.jpg

【明報專訊】港鐵2008年的廣告收入逾7億元，較07年上升11%，但面對金融海嘯衝擊，港鐵承認今年廣告經營相當具挑戰，需加強拓展收益較高的電子廣告，保持收入。港鐵今周會推出可播放3D動畫的新式數碼相連廣告屏幕，預計每對屏幕賺取的收入，較一般燈箱廣告多2至3倍。

這類數碼相連廣告屏幕明天起在中環、金鐘、太古、尖沙嘴及旺角站率先設置，待5月會推廣至灣仔、銅鑼灣等另外5個車站，屆時10個車站共裝置60對相連屏幕。港鐵媒體及業務發展高級經理關敏怡表示，每對屏幕都是以兩組65吋高清等離子屏幕組成，除可播放錄像及動畫，亦可讓畫面連貫地在屏幕中顯示，加強設計及創意空間。

去年廣告收益增11％

她透露，現時已有分別來自美容、物流、旅行社及電子產品公司等4至5個客戶訂購兩周服務，費用為每周13萬元。廣告會在全線30對屏幕中播放，但需和另外3家客戶均分19小時的播放時段。另外還可每天更改內容3次，讓廣告客戶在不同時段提供合時信息。

關敏怡指有關系統已試行3個月，有信心產品可回本。現時港鐵全線共有4萬個燈箱及平面廣告位置，電子模式廣告數量約佔全線廣告20%。港鐵在08年的廣告收入達7.41億元，較07年兩鐵的總廣告收入6.66億元上升11%。關敏怡解釋，去年上半年港鐵廣告市非常好，但下半年金融海嘯爆發，業務即時下滑；公司管理層相信今年廣告市道相當富挑戰，所以會繼續發展電子模式廣告策略。

HSBC

March 16th, 2009, 11:05 AM

^^
That's really nice!

spicytimothy

March 18th, 2009, 07:01 AM

EricIsHim

June 7th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Wiring thieves strike at MTR

Diana Lee

Monday, June 08, 2009

Thirty meters of electrical wiring were stolen from the MTR tracks last week but passengers were never in danger, the corporation said yesterday.

The wiring was stolen from the tunnel connecting Tsing Yi and Sunny Bay stations last Tuesday and Wednesday, with a third instance of theft on Thursday from the Tsing Yi station area itself.

"The wires were discovered to be missing after operating hours during routine checks by MTR maintenance staff. The situation was immediately addressed and train services were not affected," a spokeswoman said.

The corporation would not speculate on the motive behind the theft, though the cost runs into thousands of dollars.

Police said MTR staff had reported early on Tuesday and again on Wednesday that 15 meters of electric wiring at the Tsing Yi tunnel valued at HK$21,000 was missing.

On Thursday, a further 18 meters of wires were cut away. The cost has yet to be ascertained.

Police have classified the case as theft and the Kwai Tsing District Crime Investigation Team has taken over the case. No arrests have been made as yet.

District Councillor Leung Chi-shing, himself an MTR train captain, said the removal of cables is easily detected by the central operator and would not affect train safety.

It is unlikely to have been an inside job, he added.

"Every MTR employee knows very well the railway is under surveillance 24 hours a day. Not only permanent staff but also the outsourced workers should understand the consequences of committing crimes of such a nature," he said.

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=83131&sid=24141682&con_type=1&d_str=20090608&fc=1

Blackraven

June 10th, 2009, 01:19 PM

StanleyJ

June 10th, 2009, 02:41 PM

Anyways, where were we, oh yes:
http://img36.exs.cx/img36/5006/cause03.jpg

Hmm........I only taught that Kwun Tong line (aka Green Line) had a few stations which don't have doors/gates till this very day (Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok and Kwun Tong). So I guess there are a few train stations (aside from the Green Line) that don't have these yet

The station is Causeway Bay, with the photo taken quite a number of years ago, before the installation of platform screen doors.

Anyways, while we're on the subject of train stations without doors/gates, I found something interesting.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/MTR_Rumsey_station_%281%29.jpg/800px-MTR_Rumsey_station_%281%29.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/MTR_Rumsey_station_%282%29.jpg/800px-MTR_Rumsey_station_%282%29.jpg

It's abandoned and looks kinda "haunted". Dunno where this is though but it is quite mysterious.

Heh, more like a train station to and from "the netherworld" :lol:

This is the ghost platform at Sheung Wan (Exit E?) which was reserved for the never built East Kowloon line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1970_route_map_eng.png). If the MTR ever builds the Shatin-Central link, I personally think it'd be a good idea to resurrect this platform for East Rail (would be North South Line) as opposed to making Admiralty an "Ultra Interchange" (Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, East Rail, South Island Line (East Section)).

EricIsHim

June 10th, 2009, 02:43 PM

Well for the sake and security of people using the train services, I do hope that these thieves will be brought to justice (as their actions can put others at grave risk).

Anyways, where were we, oh yes:
http://img36.exs.cx/img36/5006/cause03.jpg

Hmm........I only taught that Kwun Tong line (aka Green Line) had a few stations which don't have doors/gates till this very day (Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok and Kwun Tong). So I guess there are a few train stations (aside from the Green Line) that don't have these yet

That's Causeway Bay station. The picture was taken long time ago before the screen doors were installed, but the doors have been in operation for years now.

Here is a more recent picture.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3217463587_9013ed7abc_b.jpg
Source: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3217463587_9013ed7abc_b.jpg

But you are still correct all the above ground stations along the Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong and Island Lines still don't have platform screen doors yet.

Anyways, while we're on the subject of train stations without doors/gates, I found something interesting.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/MTR_Rumsey_station_%281%29.jpg/800px-MTR_Rumsey_station_%281%29.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/MTR_Rumsey_station_%282%29.jpg/800px-MTR_Rumsey_station_%282%29.jpg

It's abandoned and looks kinda "haunted". Dunno where this is though but it is quite mysterious.

Heh, more like a train station to and from "the netherworld" :lol:

That's Sheung Wan. When the station was built in the early 80s, it was built and reserved as the platforms for the future "North Island Line," but the line has never been constructed, and the new North Island Line alignment will no longer pass through this stations. Therefore, it is more likely to be abandoned forever.

HK-City

June 11th, 2009, 01:58 AM

My favorite Station is Kowloon Station (Exit C) Union Square

http://i40.tinypic.com/somn1t.jpg

EricIsHim

July 7th, 2009, 02:46 AM

:banana::banana::banana:

MTR LOHAS Park Station Opens for Passenger Service on 26 July

LOHAS Park Station on the MTR Tseung Kwan O Line will officially open for passenger service on 26 July 2009, marking the full completion of Tseung Kwan O Line and bringing passenger rail service to a growing new community.

To celebrate the imminent opening of LOHAS Park Station, students from the Pok Oi Hospital Chan Kwok Wai Primary School and Po Leung Kuk Wong Wing Shu Primary School created 15 colourful pieces of art which are now on display at the concourse of Tseung Kwan O Station. The artwork serves as a visual representation of the new 3+1 train service arrangement to be introduced on the Tseung Kwan O Line later this month.

“We are pleased that LOHAS Park Station is already being welcomed by the local community through creative and inspiring artwork,” said Head of operating of the MTR Corporation Mr TT Choi. “Starting today, this exhibition and a series of advertisements,
posters, and leaflets will help passengers prepare for the new train service arrangement on the Tseung Kwan O Line.”

The new 3+1 train service arrangement will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase beginning on 20 July. During morning and afternoon peak periods, the frequency of trains running between Tseung Kwan O Station and North Point Station will be enhanced from the existing 2 minute 40 seconds to 2 minute 30 seconds. For trains departing from North Point Station, three will head for Po Lam Station while the fourth train will terminate at Tseung Kwan O Station. Passengers on board trains that terminate at Tseung Kwan O
Station can alight and wait for the next Po Lam-bound train. Phase two will start on 27 July after LOHAS Park Station has opened for passenger service. At that time, this fourth train will continue on to LOHAS Park Station.

Similarly, during non-peak periods, a shuttle train service between Tiu Keng Leng and LOHAS Park stations will be introduced in two phases. In phase one from 19 to 25 July, the shuttle train will service only Tiu Keng Leng and Tseung Kwan O stations at 12 minute intervals. In phase two, starting on 26 July, the shuttle train service will be extended to serve Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O and LOHAS Park stations.

Source: http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-09-078-E.pdf

Rachmaninov

July 7th, 2009, 02:21 PM

Some information that I heard on the future HKCEC Station:

There will be 5 exits (3 on street level, going to parking lots and bus station and 2 on podium level)

4 platforms on 2 levels, each level having 2 platforms for cross-platform interchange between extended Tung Chung Line and Shatin-Central Link

EricIsHim

July 11th, 2009, 02:36 AM

No firm opening date yet, but it's within two to three months from now.

PR080/09
10 July 2009

Kowloon Southern Link to open in third quarter 2009

MTR travel will be more convenient than ever when the Kowloon Southern Link opens for service in the third quarter of this year to link up the East Rail Line with the West Rail Line, forming a major East-West rail artery.

“The 3.8-kilometre Kowloon Southern Link project extends the West Rail Line from its existing terminus at Nam Cheong Station to Hung Hom Station, with stops at the new Austin Station and East Tsim Sha Tsui Station,” said Mr TT Choi, Head of Operating of MTR Corporation.

“Residents of Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long will enjoy faster and more direct travel to and from urban Kowloon as the rail extension will reduce the existing journey times between the Northwest New Territories and the Tsim Sha Tsui area by about 20 minutes.”

West Rail Line service will also be enhanced during peak periods, with trains departing every 3 minutes compared to the current frequency of 3.5 minutes.

Hung Hom Station will become the interchange station between West Rail Line and the East Rail Line. The change paves the way for the station’s development into a major transport hub under the Shatin-to-Central Link project, which will ultimately extend the East Rail Line across the harbour to Hong Kong Island via Hung Hom.

The new Austin Station at the junction of Jordan Road and Canton Road is strategically located adjacent to the Canton Road Government Offices, the West Kowloon Cultural District and the future terminus of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong Express Rail Link. The station is conveniently linked up with the existing Austin Road Subway, Jordan Road Subway and Jordan Road Footbridge, making the
nearby Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal, Airport Express/Tung Chung Line Kowloon Station and Elements Shopping Centre just a short walk away.

Fares to and from Austin Station are set according to the existing MTR are structure and will be the same as those for Kowloon Station. (Examples in table attached.)

“To promote use of the new rail extension, we will be introducing a new ’Tuen Mun – Hung Hom Monthly Pass’ which will allow unlimited rides on the line for one month at the price of $470,” said Ms Jeny Yeung, General Manager – Marketing & Station Commercial of the MTR Corporation. For consistency, the names of the existing West Rail Line Monthly Pass and East Rail Line Monthly Pass will be changed to “Tuen Mun - Nam Cheong Monthly Pass” and “Sheung Shui - East Tsim Sha Tsui Monthly Pass” respectively. All three monthly pass promotions will be valid until 30 June 2010.

With the Kowloon Southern Link providing a direct rail connection between the East Rail Line and West Rail Line, the role of the existing K16 feeder bus service in linking the two lines has become redundant. As such, the current MTR-K16 free connection promotion will no longer apply when the new rail extension commences service and the bus route
will no longer be operated after one month.

For the convenience of passengers requiring bus service to other parts of Sham Shui Po and Tsim Sha Tsui, KMB bus route 12, which has a similar routing as K16, will expand its area of coverage and enhance service. At the same time, the Corporation and KMB will jointly offer a six-month MTR-bus interchange discount promotion to passengers transferring to or from KMB bus route 12 at Nam Cheong, Austin and East Tsim Sha Tsui Stations. The discount will be $1 for Adult Octopus card holders and those using Personalised Octopus with student status and $0.5 for Elder and Child Octopus card holders. (Not applicable for Monthly Pass users.)
It should also be noted that as Hung Hom Station will become the new terminus for the East Rail Line, therefore there will no longer be a first class service between Hung Hom and East Tsim Sha Tsui Stations

Click in the source site to view additional pictures and fare table.

Source: http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-09-080-E.pdf

Blackraven

August 8th, 2009, 08:11 PM

Yup, lots of neat things happening in the railway network for 2009 (TKO extension to LOHAS park, KSL West rail-East rail linkup).

Indeed a superb year :)

P.S.
Btw:
I've been visiting Hong Kong for more than five times now (after the Handover) and have been using MTR trains for.......many times.

Yet it was only now that I've noticed this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoOi7LahN5M&fmt=18

Kaitak747

September 16th, 2009, 03:31 PM

http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/attachment.php?aid=119566&noupdate=yes
http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/attachment.php?aid=119567&noupdate=yes
http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/attachment.php?aid=119568&noupdate=yes

Kaitak747

November 6th, 2009, 09:41 PM

新輕鐵列車將以新形象示人
wHvnzq-5fYo

Kaitak747

November 20th, 2009, 06:50 AM

港鐵翻新車站更平易近人

http://news.mingpao.com/20091120/_20GN004_.jpg

http://news.mingpao.com/20091120/_20GN005_.jpg

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-09-131-C.pdf

港鐵翻新車站明年動工本文重點
融入環保綠化概念

【本報訊】港鐵計劃翻新部分車站設施，其中佐敦站將於明年一月率先展開翻新工程，主題為環保綠化，包括以自然石料及玻璃將客務中心的外形打造成太空船模樣、在中心加裝液晶顯示螢幕、在月台加設按照人體工程學設計的座椅，以及在牆身加裝挨竿等，預期整筆費用約為二百萬元，倘若反應良好，將在明年底翻新荃灣線及觀塘線等部分同樣較舊車站。港鐵強調，翻新成本不會轉嫁至乘客身上。
融入環保綠化概念
港鐵車務營運總管張少華表示，港鐵開通卅年，部分早期車站設施以功能為主，乘客只為乘搭交通工具，隨着要求不斷增加，港鐵部分車站亦需要翻新，早前向年輕人進行意見調查後，發現年輕一代主要希望港鐵將設施環保綠化，故未來佐敦站設施將融入該新概念。其中一項便是在客務中心及入閘機旁，加設低耗電的液晶顯示螢幕，以向乘客展示行車路線及票務資料。

張少華解釋，由於佐敦站屬早期落成，加上商業及住宅人口平均，人流較少，故選擇佐敦站作為計劃首個翻新車站，方便收集翻新車站後的乘客反應，大方向是持續翻新其他車站。港鐵將根據設施狀態、對上一次翻新時間以及人流等，選擇下一階段翻新車站，其中荃灣線及觀塘線部分車站情況與佐敦站相似，將會被優先考慮，最終結果於明年底公布。

另外，張少華表示，港鐵八個地鐵地面或架空車站，將於二○一一年完成加裝月台幕門的工程。

WybW-Z1klkM

WM5Y6KuDW6U

Kaitak747

November 20th, 2009, 09:44 AM

(2004-04-22)無線電視-香港名牌(地鐵公司 - Part 1)
SbUXpjPMUWU
(2004-04-22)無線電視-香港名牌(地鐵公司 - Part 2)
RpzUEsyTzic

Arson @ MTR 2004
hoKwoaX4VEc

無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 1
pPOE7nwLBZ4
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 2
36cq3qQDRnI
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 3
pJmiZXZBvbo
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 4
Z_A4qk9egaA
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 5
2vL1icY2XDo
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 6
bCAbnIxd4Fk

無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 7
x3vCdlA393o
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 8
Sqdxe-SBd50
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城9
rHi3v38b7vc
無線電視-港鐵拉近東西貫全城 10
jbtr-MvEnkg

Kaitak747

December 3rd, 2009, 03:39 PM

P3WWtdx4XlA

spicytimothy

December 6th, 2009, 08:50 AM

The extra change due the the TKO line was THE MOST annoying thing last time I went back to Hong Kong. I really hope they find some other solution for this...

chisinchai

December 8th, 2009, 05:04 PM

The extra change due the the TKO line was THE MOST annoying thing last time I went back to Hong Kong. I really hope they find some other solution for this...

agree
it wastes a lots of time when i go to eastern side of island from my office (ngau tau kok):bash:

Rachmaninov

December 9th, 2009, 04:09 PM

Agreed x 2.

superchan7

December 10th, 2009, 12:17 AM

Interesting, HK-style announcements for Beijing Line 4...

spicytimothy

December 10th, 2009, 12:50 AM

agree
it wastes a lots of time when i go to eastern side of island from my office (ngau tau kok):bash:

Not to mention Quarry Bay is so deep underground you have to walk around and around to get to the other platform... UGH

EricIsHim

December 10th, 2009, 01:43 AM

Interesting, HK-style announcements for Beijing Line 4...

Well... MTR Corp runs the line...

Kaitak747

January 1st, 2010, 07:33 PM

(2009-11-27)TVB News-MTR unveils Yaumatei-Whampoa plans
hWsLaGSFjnc

Kaitak747

February 2nd, 2010, 05:41 AM

機場快斥千萬換新裝

http://news.mingpao.com/20100202/_02GS004_.jpg

【明報專訊】自1998年投入服務的機場快，迄今為逾億人提供機場及市區接駁服務，平均每日有約3萬名乘客量。港鐵車務營運總管張少華表示，將為機場快換上「新裝」，由本來藍色主調設計，改為湖水綠及白色，希望為設計添上活力和現代化感覺，整個換「新裝」計劃將涉逾1000萬元。

張少華指自1月底起，機場快已陸續為市區預辦登機大堂更換新設計，包括把標誌上「機場快」四字由黑色改為綠色、在穿梭巴士等候區增添電子顯示屏，以及翻新列車內的地氈、座椅等配合新設計。

擬旺季加強班次

按目前進度，機場快將在今年年底全面以綠白兩色登場，所有服務員工也會換上更有活力的新服裝。本月中便是農曆新年，張少華預計，屆時外遊及抵港遊客人次將會提升，機場快正計劃在旅遊旺季加強班次，及加強宣傳目前提供的二、三、四人同行優惠套餐，配合不同旅客的需要。

chisinchai

February 2nd, 2010, 12:47 PM

why waste so much money changing the color?

Kaitak747

February 3rd, 2010, 08:40 PM

why waste so much money changing the color?

I don't see any reason why they decided to have modifications on their logo. To be frank, I like the current logo and livery very much.

Just noted that the Shatin-Central link was already on MTR's preliminary proposal in 1970s.

http://i1.hk/u/attachments/day_080119/20080119_65f6ef0d43ba90e33547h4OrGSW3ZB2o.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Mass_Transportation_Study_1967_zh.png

EricIsHim

February 5th, 2010, 05:21 PM

I don't see any reason why they decided to have modifications on their logo. To be frank, I like the current logo and livery very much.

The worse is the thickness of the Chinese characters got thinner, and lighter colour, which is hard to see and read from a distance.

Just like those new fonts in HKIA, hate it by a lot.

Just noted that the Shatin-Central link was already on MTR's preliminary proposal in 1970s.

http://i1.hk/u/attachments/day_080119/20080119_65f6ef0d43ba90e33547h4OrGSW3ZB2o.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Mass_Transportation_Study_1967_zh.png

^^ It's only 40 years late in operation, no big deal. lol

Kaitak747

February 8th, 2010, 06:08 PM

The worse is the thickness of the Chinese characters got thinner, and lighter colour, which is hard to see and read from a distance.

Just like those new fonts in HKIA, hate it by a lot.

^^ It's only 40 years late in operation, no big deal. lol

If the current logo is replaced by the new logo, I doubt the passengers can easily find the ticket centre and platform of the Airport Express.

Btw, 40 years doesn't mean much to the whole society, but for us, 4 years is definitely too much.

Kaitak747

February 11th, 2010, 07:08 PM

RubberBand - 一早地下鐵
YDc3fYin7BE

EricIsHim

February 14th, 2010, 05:31 PM

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/ericishim/2010%20Hong%20Kong/CIMG2546.jpg

Blackraven

February 16th, 2010, 06:43 PM

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/ericishim/2010%20Hong%20Kong/CIMG2546.jpg

It speaks for itself right there :D

;)

Kaitak747

February 17th, 2010, 09:09 AM

Do you think it's cost effective and lucrative to extend the Kwun Tong Line from Whampoa to North Point?

http://f.imagehost.org/0326/future.jpg

Kaitak747

February 17th, 2010, 05:57 PM

The extention of TST East station pedestrian tunnel

http://i.imagehost.org/0223/mtr_TST_under7.jpg
http://home.netvigator.com/~sebbo4/middleroad.jpg

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-10-013-C.pdf

http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100213_aaa6bf698c9bcadd2bc7bV0TSAzOAW8f.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_8f52ca4c86feb3fedfac1VTsmDwSX6kE.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_1bf3bf5f1d07babe9b32f1stKwhUfZhw.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_bac5139513e91b9e3277e5yJGIXpIxZb.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_ca0feed0079f4c55edf27xBVIEMATcqo.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_06d1e69bb212cc69bfbefLb3tT3cCYBq.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_8e1ca6f9bbeec5a39babmAAnpK7rqd72.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_9c63e9570157f4853965eg6l4Ko7SvyE.jpg
http://discus.hkru.org/attachments/month_1002/20100212_ee10a15418915fe498c4S5aGikOhRuCK.jpg

http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/viewthread.php?tid=474015&extra=&page=4

EricIsHim

February 17th, 2010, 06:28 PM

Do you think it's cost effective and lucrative to extend the Kwun Tong Line from Whampoa to North Point?

http://f.imagehost.org/0326/future.jpg

I would say no, not necessarily to provide a loop operation.
Can't see Ho Man Tin / Whampao having too much interaction with North Point and Quarry Bay. These are all primarily residential areas.

The direct link between Prince Edwards/MK/YMT and N Pt/Q. Bay may be beneficial for Kowloon Central and Island East, saving a few minute instead of transferring at Admiralty, but the don't think it will be financially justified to construct the forth cross harbour links, unlike Shatin-Central Link.

chisinchai

February 18th, 2010, 04:14 AM

Do you think it's cost effective and lucrative to extend the Kwun Tong Line from Whampoa to North Point?

http://f.imagehost.org/0326/future.jpg

If it is extended to Quarry Bay, people live along Tsuen Wan Line can go to Taikoo Place without using Admiralty/TCL.

People will give up the ferry between Hunghom and North Point.

chisinchai

February 18th, 2010, 04:45 AM

The extention of TST East station pedestrian tunnel

http://i.imagehost.org/0223/mtr_TST_under7.jpg

very good, people to/from Miramar and Knutsford don't need to use the exit B anymore.

Manila-X

February 18th, 2010, 05:38 AM

If it is extended to Quarry Bay, people live along Tsuen Wan Line can go to Taikoo Place without using Admiralty/TCL.

People will give up the ferry between Hunghom and North Point.

And that wouldn't be good to the ferry business covering this route.

Anyway, it is a convenience to those living in this area. But its also the cost that matters especially building another underwater tunnel. But this is HK, we can afford it.

Kaitak747

February 18th, 2010, 06:00 PM

OMG, just found that there was a similar plan back in 1980s, the proposal had been put forward to Transport Bureau and was scheduled for completion in 1998, but the loop was suspended somehow.

香港第五條過海鐵路

油麻地至炮台山的鐵路線
在1980年代末，九廣鐵路曾有興建過海鐵路的計劃，把九廣鐵路英段（現為港鐵東鐵綫）由旺角站（現時的旺角東站）延長，以地底隧道方式經何文田站及黃埔站，過海到達香港島的炮台山站，再連接維多利亞公園及中環至灣仔填海區，為當時的「第三條過海鐵路」計劃，當時預計在1998年前落成。

接近同一時間，1989年5月運輸科發表的《香港運輸政策綠皮書》中建議興建「油麻地至炮台山鐵路」，連接油麻地站及炮台山站[5]，是為第三條過海鐵路，並明確指出連接油麻地站及炮台山站。但1990年的相關白皮書，第三條過海鐵路的角色已由機場鐵路取代，也代表「油麻地至炮台山鐵路」不會即時發展。

截至2009年，政府、九廣鐵路公司及地鐵公司都沒有再提出或建議此條鐵路線。

唯在《鐵路發展策略2000》的20頁[圖10]，政府劃出第五條過海鐵路的粗略定線（圖上其中一個紅色雙頭箭嘴），這一個粗略定線與1989年建議的「油麻地至炮台山鐵路」大致上相似，但未能夠證實「油麻地至炮台山鐵路」被重提。

http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E7%AC%AC%E4%BA%94%E6%A2%9D%E9%81%8E%E6%B5%B7%E9%90%B5%E8%B7%AF#.E6.B2.B9.E9.BA.BB.E5.9C.B0.E8.87.B3.E7.82.AE.E5.8F.B0.E5.B1.B1.E7.9A.84.E9.90.B5.E8.B7.AF.E7.B7.9A

Kaitak747

February 18th, 2010, 06:35 PM

And that wouldn't be good to the ferry business covering this route.

Anyway, it is a convenience to those living in this area. But its also the cost that matters especially building another underwater tunnel. But this is HK, we can afford it.

If it is extended to Quarry Bay, people live along Tsuen Wan Line can go to Taikoo Place without using Admiralty/TCL.

People will give up the ferry between Hunghom and North Point.

I would say no, not necessarily to provide a loop operation.
Can't see Ho Man Tin / Whampao having too much interaction with North Point and Quarry Bay. These are all primarily residential areas.

The direct link between Prince Edwards/MK/YMT and N Pt/Q. Bay may be beneficial for Kowloon Central and Island East, saving a few minute instead of transferring at Admiralty, but the don't think it will be financially justified to construct the forth cross harbour links, unlike Shatin-Central Link.

I have no idea whether the loop is financially viable or not, but as we can see, there are quite a lot of people living or working in North Point, Quarray Bay, Tai Koo, Chai Wan or even Siu Sai Wan. In addition, it can also be seen that Quarry Bay is gradually emerging as a major business area in HK , but not sure if there will be sufficient demand sustaining the new loop.

By the way, although MTR has been in operation for more than 30 years, I found that the East HK Island (Quarray Bay, Tai Koo, Sai Wan Ho, Shau Kei Wan, Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan) is still quite isolated from the major area in Kowloon like Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and TST, not to mention Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi. So if the loop between Whampoa and North Point get built, the East HK Island and Kowloon can be closely connected, the travel time from Chai Wan, Quarry Bay to Mong Kok and even the New Territories can be sharply reduced which may help stimulate more economic activities in the whole East HK Island .

Conceptual proposal from a forumer in the other forum

http://i1.hk/d/attachments/day_100218/20100218_c0f9cd6b2ae9665d4172EOPeEKuNNkqb.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4345775001_39ed01a572_o.jpg

tangwk

February 20th, 2010, 07:41 PM

Kaitak747

February 25th, 2010, 04:26 PM

http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/projects/hk_newtrain_clip_image004_0000.jpg

http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/projects/hk_newtrain_clip_image002_0000.jpg

Source：港鐵 http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/projects/hk_newtrain.html
New Trains for Operating Railway

Project Description

To cope with the increase in daily patronage, it is decided to increase the fleet size for the urban network by procuring 10 new trains for operating railway. These trains will also be operated in future extensions, like the West Island Line and the Kwun Tong Line Extension.

The contract C6554-07E was awarded to Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd. (CRC) in October 2008 which is the largest rolling stock manufacturer in China acquiring over 70% of the market share in the supply of trains to the metro systems of China. Moreover, they also supply new trains to foreign countries like Singapore, Australia and Iran etc.

The scope of the new Contract comprises the design, manufacture, supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning and rectification of defects to facilitate the operation and maintenance of the new trains as well as the supply of special tools and test equipment, spare parts, operation and maintenance manuals and training.

To ensure the performance and the quality of the trains to meet the required international standards, those critical materials and trainborne sub-systems will be supplied by prestigious manufacturers, like MELCO, KNORR, Faiveley, Sigma, Singapore Technologies etc. On the other hand, in order to utilize CRC’s manufacturing strengths and capability, the major manufacturing and assembly works of the carbody and bogie and installation of sub-systems will be conducted in Changchun factory with advanced manufacturing plant and facilities.

Programme

The design has entered its final stage while the manufacture of the first train will be commenced in early Feb 2010. The first train will be in operation by the 3rd quarter 2011 and the rest of the trains will be put into service gradually. The last train will be rolled out by the end of the first quarter of 2012.

Progress Update - December 2009

The detailed design was almost completed. The engineering mock-up for cab/saloon was inspected. The interior and exterior of the train has adopted a modern style of design which will bring a fresh look to passengers. At the same time, the engineering mock-up for the underframe was being fabricated and would be completed for inspection by end of Jan 2010.

Rachmaninov

February 26th, 2010, 02:15 PM

Kaitak747

February 26th, 2010, 08:01 PM

A large proportion of this week's NCE magazine covers the MTR upcoming projects as well as the HK-Zhuhai-Macau bridge. Albeit with numerous spelling mistakes (e.g. Tai Ma Shan...Kai Kung Lang...)... reckon it should be some good toilet-time read! ;)

wei wei how can i find those articles in internet ah?

http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/projects/images/scl_admiralty.gif

hkskyline

February 26th, 2010, 10:02 PM

wei wei how can i find those articles in internet ah?

http://www.nce.co.uk/

Kaitak747

February 28th, 2010, 04:02 PM

yC_2qXdWrkI

西鐵通車官方影片 KCR West Rail - Commencement Video

名片：「西鐵動力拓新領域」。九廣西鐵於2003年12月20日正式通車，此為西鐵開幕典禮中播放的片段。片中回顧西鐵由規劃至落成的每件大事，以及西鐵創下的多個紀錄。Film title: "West Rail - The Way Ahead" KCR West Rail started its formal service on Dec 20, 2003. This commencement video was played at the beginning on the West Rail commencement ceremony. This video also stated West Rail project milestones and records.

uYiLJ30a5CE

Kaitak747

March 1st, 2010, 02:32 PM

MTR presents

Underground Pride 1990 (Part 1)
2bAxjjWthW4

Underground Pride 1990 (Part 2)
7gMbzs1XrnI

Longershanks

March 2nd, 2010, 03:25 AM

http://www.discoverybayforum.com/save/upload/futureMTRstationmap3.jpg.JPG

The link from Wampoa to the Island is sensible and will probably arrive at some time

Perhaps if the West Rail line went from SZ to HK it would get more passengers and reduce the commute time between the two city centres.

Also a link of East and West NT's would increase activity away from the centre

aab7772003

March 2nd, 2010, 03:50 PM

The link from Wampoa to the Island is sensible and will probably arrive at some time

Perhaps if the West Rail line went from SZ to HK it would get more passengers and reduce the commute time between the two city centres.

Also a link of East and West NT's would increase activity away from the centre

It has been discussed before. People living in various districts of the NT do not really go to other districts of the NT; they can eat, do daily chores and shop for daily items in their own districts.

Longershanks

March 2nd, 2010, 08:42 PM

People living in various districts of the NT do not really go to other districts of the NT

The link would stimulate economic activity outside the traditional core areas. For example it would allow a resident of Heng On to easily commute to a job in Tsuen Wan where it is probably too far at the moment reducing economic viability of these areas.

Most districts have shops that service local needs so why have an MTR at all?

The biggest 'change' to the map is the 35 min through train from Central to Futian which would reduce the commuting time between the two cities.

chisinchai

March 3rd, 2010, 04:50 AM

Most districts have shops that service local needs so why have an MTR at all?

because there is MK which most NT and Kln residents go for gathering with friends. There is CWB for the same purpose for HKI residents.
There is no MK/CWB in NT.
Perhaps if NT East and West are linked, Shatin or Tsuen Wan could be the "MK" of NT. But I think people will still go to MK because most people get there in 30mins.

gladisimo

March 5th, 2010, 12:26 AM

because there is MK which most NT and Kln residents go for gathering with friends. There is CWB for the same purpose for HKI residents.
There is no MK/CWB in NT.
Perhaps if NT East and West are linked, Shatin or Tsuen Wan could be the "MK" of NT. But I think people will still go to MK because most people get there in 30mins.

I actually agree with shanks to a certain extent on this one. I frequent Shatin pretty often as it's deemed a fairly central place for those of us in Kowloon and those in the NT to travel to to eat.

I think NT could benefit from a link that goes from Yuen Long to Tai Po/Shatin, which would allow people who live in those larger suburbs to meet without traveling as far out as Mong Kok.

The two problems I see with it are 1) the distance between the two is substantial, and I believe you have to cross some hills and mountains. I don't think the potential demand justifies building a separate line between the two areas. 2) If I'm right, there's practically no development between the towns, which means the line would solely serve the two areas and 2b) there's no land in between the two towns that are easily developed.

Much of what can be reasonably economically developed in Hong Kong has already been developed, and personally I think the spoke and hub model of Hong Kong works better to control various factors in people's lives than a multi-hub model.

Kaitak747

March 5th, 2010, 09:18 AM

I think that extending the KTL across the Victoria Harbour is a good idea. Like what Kaitak747 said, it provides Eastern HK Island better connectivity to Kowloon, especially Mong Kok area. Residents who work or love shopping in Mong Kok can change train at North Point and travel towards there, bypassing the busy Admiralty station, which will become a mega interchange with the opening of Shatin-Central link and South Island line. It would be something like the Circle line in Singapore, which will enable residents living in the north to bypass the busy City Hall interchange in the downtown area when travelling to the east or west.

And if the KTL were to become a loop, TKO residents can travel towards Mong Kok by crossing the harbour twice and yet reduce travelling time!! :lol:

But one thing to note is that the turning radius would be quite sharp after North Point if it were to link up with Whompa opposite the harbour. Another point is that if this loop were to come true, where would the proposed North Island line connect to?

Therefore, IMO, I think the KTL should extend to Fortress Hill instead to connect to the future North Island line, and then terminate at Tin Hau to interchange with the future TKO line.

That's definitely what I think too. As we know, Quarry Bay is gradually emerging as one of major business areas in HK island and that there are quite a few people living in Tai Koo, Sai Wan Ho, Chai Wan and even Siu Sai Wan, but the entire East HK Island has been isolated from other parts of HK for quite a long time, I think it's reasonable to have a loop connecting the East HK Island and Yau Ma Tei / Mong Kok. Although I have no idea whether it's lucrative or not, I have strong confidence that the loop won't be an white elephant.

As for the terminus in HK Island, I think both Tin Hau and North Point are acceptable. To minimize the travel time between the East HK Island and Kowloon, I would rather have a terminus in Quarry Bay or North Point than Fortress Hill or Tin Hau.

I actually agree with shanks to a certain extent on this one. I frequent Shatin pretty often as it's deemed a fairly central place for those of us in Kowloon and those in the NT to travel to to eat.

I think NT could benefit from a link that goes from Yuen Long to Tai Po/Shatin, which would allow people who live in those larger suburbs to meet without traveling as far out as Mong Kok.

The two problems I see with it are 1) the distance between the two is substantial, and I believe you have to cross some hills and mountains. I don't think the potential demand justifies building a separate line between the two areas. 2) If I'm right, there's practically no development between the towns, which means the line would solely serve the two areas and 2b) there's no land in between the two towns that are easily developed.

Much of what can be reasonably economically developed in Hong Kong has already been developed, and personally I think the spoke and hub model of Hong Kong works better to control various factors in people's lives than a multi-hub model.

I think the concept of having a link between The East NT and The West NT is unbeatable. As I mentioned before, I have been living in Shatin since I was born, so it's undoubtedly that I will give thumbs-up for any extentions of East Rail and West Rail.

However, I'm quite concerned on the cost of construction. As you said, the distance between the two is substantial and they have to cross some hills and mountains to reach each other. Under this situation, I doubt the link would be cost effective, even though there will be sufficient demand in future.

Longershanks

March 5th, 2010, 05:09 PM

As the Government has recently shown construction cost for commuter railways (80% of traffic on HSR will be commuters) is of no obstacle for progress. A cynic would suggest this is a project that would benefit Hong Kong and not improve integration into China so no Government funded study would find it viable.

aab7772003

March 5th, 2010, 11:13 PM

Longershanks

March 6th, 2010, 02:42 AM

my apologies - it may be built in the future but it is not on any plans (as there is nowhere to build housing to pay for it) - sorry couldn't help myself.

Longershanks

March 6th, 2010, 07:51 PM

http://www.discoverybayforum.com/save/upload/futureMTRstationmap3.jpg.JPG

Any comments on the direct train from Central to Futian? 37 mins from Tamar to Shenzhen.

Different gauges etc but not $67b worth of Engineering

aab7772003

March 6th, 2010, 08:00 PM

Any comments on the direct train from Central to Futian? 37 mins from Tamar to Shenzhen.

Different gauges etc but not $67b worth of Engineering

You can find the "comments" in the express rail thread.

hybridace101

March 8th, 2010, 04:46 AM

Scion

March 8th, 2010, 04:59 AM

hybridace101

March 8th, 2010, 12:24 PM

So will what is currently known as the Island Line be split up among the Tung Chung and Tseung Kwan O Line?

Also, what touristy or interesting attractions can I find in the eastern part of the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line and the northern parts of the East Rail Line and West Rail Line?

chisinchai

March 9th, 2010, 11:44 AM

Just curious, if you are just someone who likes "round trips" in the system, meaning that you have no plans to go to Mainland china and immediately turn back at LoWu, what happens if you do that without a passport and visa? Can you easily board a return train immediately or will you await passport controls before doing so?

Do you mean taking the East Rail Line to Lo Wu?
I have done that twice but not on purpose. I fell asleep on the train and didn't leave at Sheung Shui station. So when the train arrives Lo Wu, you don't follow the crowd to the escalators. No passport controls. I don't remember much, may I took the same train back or I went to the opposite platform to get the next train.

EricIsHim

March 9th, 2010, 03:55 PM

Do you mean taking the East Rail Line to Lo Wu?
I have done that twice but not on purpose. I fell asleep on the train and didn't leave at Sheung Shui station. So when the train arrives Lo Wu, you don't follow the crowd to the escalators. No passport controls. I don't remember much, may I took the same train back or I went to the opposite platform to get the next train.

I think the trains at Lok Ma Chau just arrive and depart at the same platform. There is no need to walk around to the other platform to board the southbound train. I believe Lo Wu is the same or just on the opposite side.

The platforms are so gated that you can't turn around. There is no rule or restriction to prohibit anyone from boarding the train to the boarder. But it is just if you don't show the proper visa or permit, you just can't enter the mainland.
At least, for HKID card holder, it is not a problem of Hong Kong, but the mainland boarder control. Everyone can go through to HK's immigration with HKID even if the person doesn't hold the proper entry visa into the mainland, but s/he would get escorted back once s/he reached the other side and can't show the permit.
For foreign passport holders, I am not sure if you would be able to pass through the HK's immigration if you don't show a proof of valid visa or permit.
(But technically, I think those people can exit HK with no problem since it is the Chinese boarder to decide to kick you back or not, it is not the HK's immigration's responsibility.)

Of course, your ticket is only valid for 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can't just stay on the train forever. A round trip from Kowloon and Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau would have exceed that duration. Eventually, you will not be able to exit the system, and have to talk to the customer service and subjected to a fine.

hkskyline

March 9th, 2010, 05:11 PM

I thought the HK side does check if you have a valid visa (foreign passports) and a valid HKID card (locals). You can't pass the check if you don't have any ID.

hybridace101

March 9th, 2010, 06:33 PM

I understand LoWu is arranged in such a way that platforms 1 and 4 are the embarkation platforms, 2 and 3 are the disembarkation platforms. After the door closes on platform 1 and 4, it opens on platform 2 and 3 respectively. But will officers make an on-the-spot inspection so as to discourage those who will sleep through their trip (intentional or accident)?

Of course if you have time-limited tickets, I can also talk about getting-off nearby "open" stations.

I understand that in a normal cross-border arrangement, there are 2 checkpoints: 1 for the outgoing and another for the incoming. The outgoing passport control checkpoint is just concerned to see if foreigners have just exited their country in a timely manner. Whatever happens between the alien and the incoming passport control checkpoint is between them. But I may be wrong...

Correct me if I am wrong but unless you are a passport holder from Japan or Singapore who carries that passport in your knapsack or beltbag, it's quite risky to do such a "round trip?"

One interesting thing, I want to imagine a system where the same trains used for the East Rail Line should be used for the Shenzhen Metro with passengers required to get-off and clear both passport controls before returning to that train, or a later train. Like a fully seamless and integrated cross-border mass rapid transit.

urbanfan89

March 9th, 2010, 11:37 PM

Plenty of foreigners staying in Shenzhen and whose visas are expiring, have to leave China and re-enter it through Lo Wu. But this is only possible by passing through HK immigration, taking the East Rail to Sheung Shui, turning back to Lo Wu, and re-entering Shenzhen, since security guards block off other passages.

MTR must be making a killing through those visa tourists.

hybridace101

March 10th, 2010, 03:04 AM

^^

That is if the alien has a multiple entry visa. I don't think it has an I-94 card that you can keep if you will only be away from the US for a short trip to go to Canada or Mexico before you can return in which case you can revalidate.

Anyway, I'm still interested in knowing if there are any tourist attractions in the NT or those served by the KTL or eastern part of the ISL or West Rail Line so that a passenger's round trip won't be branded just as a waste of time?

chisinchai

March 11th, 2010, 06:46 AM

I remember now. I was supposed to take the train from Kln Tong to Sheung Shui. I fell asleep and woke up found that the doors closed and the train is leaving Sheung Shui head to Lo Wu. When it arrived Lo Wu, all passengers exits except me. Then doors closed and doors on the opposites side opened, passengers come in. (<- felt so embarrassing) Then finally I leaves at Sheung Shui station.
There was no officers on the platform check people like me.

I think MTR cuts a day into periods of time, each ~1hr.
e.g. Zone A is from 7:30-8:30, zone B from 8:30-9:30, zone C from 9:30-10:30.
If you enter the system in zone A, you have to leave on the same zone or the next, which means you must leave before 9:30. Else you cannot exit and have to go to Customer Service and pay extra charge.
This discourage people for staying in the MTR to transfer goods or their sales in Yahoo!Auction.
The actual rules could be found on the rules printed and put on each staion. But I think they have removed the board a long time ago.
And I don't know if they apply the same rules on KCR lines.

Yappofloyd

March 17th, 2010, 07:56 PM

^^ you can't. Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations are restricted with controlled access. You are not allowed to go to those stations without a valid immigration documents. We are not even allowed to "get off and back on the return train" at those stations, I don't what will happen if you do turn up without passport.
Unless this has just been introduced in the last 12 months then it is incorrect.

I have travelled twice to Lo Wu station, the last time being Feb 09, without my passport and exited the train, stayed on the platform and waited for the next train to then return to Kowloon.

So I did all these things that you state one cannot do. It may have changed since early last year but prior to that as long as one stayed within the station/platform there was no need for travel docs.

taikoo.city

March 18th, 2010, 10:35 AM

But one thing to note is that the turning radius would be quite sharp after North Point if it were to link up with Whompa opposite the harbour. Another point is that if this loop were to come true, where would the proposed North Island line connect to?

Therefore, IMO, I think the KTL should extend to Fortress Hill instead to connect to the future North Island line, and then terminate at Tin Hau to interchange with the future TKO line.

This is a viable way to solve the isolation of Fortress Hill from the rest of MTR system after the completion of the NIL.

If plans of NIL is altered i.e. either the NIL is connected with TKL at North Point or TKL makes a stop at Fortress Hill before proceeding to Tin Hau, the Tin Hau interchange would be unnecessary and the line can be extended to Quarry Bay instead to provide direct access to Island East.

Longershanks

March 18th, 2010, 12:05 PM

Why doesn't the MTR have peak and off peak rates for fares?

Tickets could be charged at Peak rates all the time.

EricIsHim

March 18th, 2010, 01:50 PM

Why doesn't the MTR have peak and off peak rates for fares?

Tickets could be charged at Peak rates all the time.

For what? For the sack of pleasing your variable toll dream like a restaurant?

hkskyline

March 18th, 2010, 02:38 PM

I thought they used to give discounts for early rush hour use not that long ago?

Longershanks

March 18th, 2010, 02:40 PM

....

Longershanks

March 18th, 2010, 02:42 PM

Variable train fares. To reduce demand at peak times which would reduce rolling stock requirements which would reduce operating costs which would lower overall ticket prices.

Most train networks operate variable ticket prices (usually more expensive to travel on a Friday evening) so why not metro systems?

Rachmaninov

March 18th, 2010, 05:20 PM

I suppose you just probably don't want to complicate things too much.

hkskyline

March 18th, 2010, 05:30 PM

I doubt they can force enough people off the rush hour to run trains every 3-4 minutes on a key urban line instead of every 90 seconds. It might be possible to get on the next train, rather than wait for the 2nd one to push in.

EricIsHim

March 18th, 2010, 06:23 PM

I suppose you just probably don't want to complicate things too much.

That's my point.

Distance base + Time Period = Complicating the whole fare system.
It is going confuse the millions of daily riders, the tourist, the Octopus etc etc. and leads to endless fare mistakes and argument.
It isn't just a big change in hardware, but also the way of life as well.

It doesn't matter what the MTR do. As long as majority of the work forces work between 8am through 6pm, your peak hours are still going to be those hours.
You are not going to change the entire culture on having normal business hours starting at 6 or 7am, and leave work at 3 or 4; or starting 10 or 11am, and leave work at 7 or 8 (I guess it is most HKers do anyways, even if you go in at 9am.)

hkskyline

March 18th, 2010, 06:48 PM

Well .. the stock market opens at 10am ... haha ... 9am is still too early.

hybridace101

March 28th, 2010, 08:07 AM

What are the major attractions served by the
a) West Rail Line west of Mei Foo
b) East Rail Line north of Kowloon Tong and Ma On Shan Line
c) Kwun Tong Line east of Kowloon Tong
d) Island Line east of Tin Hau

I've got to say in my previous visit, the West Rail line integration with the MTR made the journey to Lantau somewhat faster. Using the Tsuen Wan Line would take more than half an hour to reach Tung Chung.

Blackraven

March 30th, 2010, 03:53 PM

c) Kwun Tong Line east of Kowloon Tong

My favorite destination in this train line is ALWAYS:

Telford in Kowloon Bay

Some would say is not as tourist-friendly........but for gamers, this is a GREAT place (just like Namco World in WTC Causeway Bay).

MTR headquarters is also within this vicinity as well. Indeed, Telford is a great place in my book.

It's just not that popular with foreign tourists as it lies outside of the common tourist spots (such as the mainland and the center of Kowloon) :)

Manila-X

March 31st, 2010, 08:01 AM

My favorite destination in this train line is ALWAYS:

Telford in Kowloon Bay

Some would say is not as tourist-friendly........but for gamers, this is a GREAT place (just like Namco World in WTC Causeway Bay).

MTR headquarters is also within this vicinity as well. Indeed, Telford is a great place in my book.

It's just not that popular with foreign tourists as it lies outside of the common tourist spots (such as the mainland and the center of Kowloon) :)

Namco World is too commercialized. I prefer your neighbourhood over 18 game centre.

Manila-X

March 31st, 2010, 08:03 AM

Rachmaninov

April 1st, 2010, 01:51 PM

Namco World is too commercialized. I prefer your neighbourhood over 18 game centre.

That doesnt' bother me. Namco World is still my favourite place in CWB :P

Kaitak747

April 6th, 2010, 09:33 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/134930715_5850a3a21b_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/143466661_e7d856f585_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/143466660_f135b6181b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2573563028_396ebe50d6_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2573556146_471404bedc_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3951484160_0eac749781_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4466031433_4c23a41ecc_b.jpg

Blackraven

April 6th, 2010, 07:49 PM

That doesnt' bother me. Namco World is still my favourite place in CWB :P

Hehe I agree. And my little brother can get in (he's only 15 years old) :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/blackcyborg009/Vacation%20pics/Hong%20Kong%20and%20Macau%20-%20April%202009/Image359.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/blackcyborg009/Vacation%20pics/Hong%20Kong%20and%20Macau%20-%20April%202009/Image341.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/blackcyborg009/Vacation%20pics/Hong%20Kong%20and%20Macau%20-%20April%202009/Image364.jpg

And best is clean restrooms/toilets & it's 100% NON-SMOKING establishment.

I gotta avoid them cigarette smoke (like in majority of TST arcades)

Manila-X

April 7th, 2010, 05:26 AM

I admit I play in Namco World from time to time. Its still a nice game centre. :)

Anyway, back to the topic!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4466031433_4c23a41ecc_b.jpg

From the looks of that image, The MTR is one of the longest rapid transit systems in the world with an 8 car config!

hybridace101

April 11th, 2010, 04:22 AM

Kaitak747

April 13th, 2010, 07:21 PM

iCuRjBaJFso

Kaitak747

May 13th, 2010, 03:49 PM

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512081936/hk-rail/zh/images/2/22/LR_507_C021_140S.jpg

Kaitak747

May 13th, 2010, 06:04 PM

建材價飈 3鐵路造價升6成工程改動沙中綫或耗資610億

http://www.hket.com/store/IMAGE/HKET/2010/201005/20100513/HKET20100513AC01AGL.gif

全球多國均以基建帶動經濟復甦，消息透露，本港未來兩年動工的3條鐵路，預計單在鐵路部分的造價，已大幅升5至 6成，加上工程改動及增加多項社區設施，推算沙中綫總造價或大增逾6成，達610億至630億元。

至於南港島綫東段造價，更可能大升逾7 成至120億至130億元；觀塘綫延綫料增建社區設施較少，估計造價升約6成，達65億至70億元。

沙中綫若押後無助降低成本

金融海嘯後多國大興土木帶動復甦，以中美規模最大，建材需求大增令價格急升；今年初本港高鐵抗爭事件，其中一項爭議便是其造價由395億元大升至669億元。

若沙中綫造價大升而押後，造價亦未必降低，因內地未來數年大建鐵路網，對建材需求有增無減，若沙中綫如期去馬便要支付高價，押後則會拖慢經濟及社區發展，兩者風險均需由社會共同承擔。

觀塘綫延綫爭取今年內動工

據了解，南港島綫計劃今年內動工，與沙中綫接駁的觀塘綫延綫，亦爭取今年內動工，但因政府要加強及改善沙中綫的諮詢工作，故沙中綫料押後至明年才動工，港府及港鐵正研究觀塘綫延綫動工後，兩條鐵路相連部分工程如何安排。

根據政府的建築工程投標價格指數，由2006年初至去年底，指數累升約55%。

可靠消息透露，原本造價約374億元的沙中綫，料單計鐵路部分造價，將會升至近600億元，加上決定增建顯徑站，再令造價上升。

消息又指出，由於沙中綫途經多個地區，各社區均就其要求的社區設施開出清單，故這筆開支現難以估計，相信不會是細數目，例如興建新金鐘站後，附近更新或加建的休憩設施，亦被要求算在港府及港鐵（00066）的帳目上，故推算最終造價，可能大升逾6成至610億至630億元。

與沙中綫接駁的觀塘綫延綫，原先估計造價約42億元，消息預料，該鐵路需額外興建的社區設施不多，相信增加的造價與建材升幅相若，料增至65億至70億元。

南港島綫高架橋變行車隧道

至於南港島綫東段，因建材價格上揚，估計基本造價已由原先約70億元，升至近110億元。消息人士重申，港府及港鐵按民意，將海洋公園附近一段高架橋縮短，增加隧道長度，而鴨脷洲一段高架橋變為行車隧道，亦令工程成本上升幅度頗大，料涉及數以億元，加上興建社區設施，鐵路最終造價可能達120億至130 億元，即大升逾7成。

事實上，因為社區設施導致鐵路造價上升，已動工的西港島綫屬於典型例子，南港島綫及觀塘綫延綫，以鐵路加物業模式發展，不用公帑直接支付；不過，規模最大型的沙中綫則由公帑全資興建。
撰文:黃勁文

地產收益倘不足恐礙工程

以鐵路加物業發展模式發展的南港島綫，及觀塘綫延綫，均計劃今年動工，但政府對樓市頻頻出招下，物業市道有回落趨勢。

或須向立會申請撥款補貼工程

假若兩條鐵路地產收益，未能應付建造工程的資金缺口，政府可能要真金白銀注資，屆時要向立法會申請撥款，鐵路工程或被拖延。

西港島綫因沿綫未有適合土地補貼鐵路工程，港府首度真金白銀注資港鐵（00066）興建鐵路，在造價急升下，政府提供一筆過補貼由原先60億元增至127 億元，因鐵路單靠票價收入，未達到一定回報水平及財務收支平衡。

南港島綫由黃竹坑邨舊址土地，發展物業作補貼；觀塘綫延綫的物業發展，則是何文田站上蓋，該地皮被寓為九龍市區地王之一。

本港現有的原地鐵網絡，絕大部分是鐵路加物業發展模式興建，港府最近推出「9招12式」為樓市降溫，港鐵亦會配合政府加推上蓋物業。

消息人士分析，若黃竹坑邨及何文田地皮的物業發展收益，不足以應付港府注資興建鐵路的金額（即資金缺口），有機會仿效西港島綫向立法會申請撥款，填補差額直接注資，屆時鐵路有機會不能於今年動工，工程或被拖延。

回應地區要求增設施成本漲

近年港府及港鐵（00066）在新鐵路工程加入社區發展概念，在可行及能負擔下，盡量滿足地區要求興建鐵路附帶的新增或重建社區設施。已動工的西港島綫，造價大升7成至154億元，其中設施重置、項目增加及購買新列車等，令增加費用高達約27億元。

慈雲山駁鑽石山設施花費巨

西港島綫原先估計造價約89億元，在建材價格急升下，單計通脹工程費已漲價38億元，再加27億元額外費用中，興建接駁車站的行人隧道佔去頗大比例，令總造價上升65億元，引起各界討論。

至於未來兩年動工的3條新鐵路中，消息透露，沙中綫除新增顯徑站外，各個社區亦就重置及增建社區設施開出清單，主要是行人隧道、天橋及休憩設施等，其中造價最大的，相信是慈雲山接駁鑽石山站的「上山落山」行人系統。

消息又指出，沙中綫車廠將建於大磡村舊址，但在村內的「鑽石山三寶」的保育問題，亦可能令造價上升，包括保留機槍堡、前英國皇家空軍飛機庫和喬宏故居「大觀園」石寓。

至於南港島綫，地區人士要求多項社區設施，包括接駁車站的行人隧道、天橋及公園等；觀塘綫延綫方面，預料附帶興建社區設施不多，最多意見是要求行人隧道，但由於路面行人路情況理想，預料有些要求較難落實。

http://www.hket.com/eti/search/a ... 34e273b68806-416241

Manila-X

May 14th, 2010, 05:42 AM

^^

We need that in our present system. In Manila, the EDSA MRT is only 3 cars long (with a provision to expand upto 4 but still nothing compared to MTR). Mind you not a lot of metro manila people own a car so it can get extremely crowded (I would wish they should raise fares and use the additional funds to expand capacity in the trains). The best part, weekend or weekday the wait for a train is quite short. Here, during weekend late afternoons, trains are crowded as they are during rush hour but frequency is more sporadic.

The Manila MRT is the worst planned metro system ever. A light rail system plying a major route is a disaster with long queues, massive overcrowding and so on. Other metro systems in Metro Manila as better planned like the MRT-2 purple line.

HK on the other hand has the majority of its population use public transit. Car ownership here is much less compared to Manila though both cities have a high pedestrian and commuting activity.

The MTR has its overcrowding problem as well
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.gadling.com/media/2009/07/crowd.jpg

Kaitak747

July 7th, 2010, 07:13 AM

Qpyp1qiSiXo

EricIsHim

July 17th, 2010, 04:13 AM

Starts off with Melbourne, but ends with story from Hong Kong
QE0JWcilako
DM2plFyiHZQ

Kaitak747

July 25th, 2010, 07:30 AM

南港島線5車站設計曝光

http://news.mingpao.com/20100725/go__25GO006_.jpg

【明報專訊】將於明年動工的港鐵南港島線（東段），5個車站的設計近日首度在社區曝光。港鐵表示，車站設計會以配合港島南區日後發展為主，如利東站可讓居民穿過車站的非付款區直通鴨洲大街，至於海洋公園站則會加入海洋主題，希望成為旅遊項目的一部分。

設計配合南區日後發展

全長7公里的南港島線（東段）共有5站，港鐵南港島線設計經理梁民發表示，車站設計及功能主要是配合港島南區日後的最新發展。由於金鐘站將成為荃灣線、沙中線的轉換站，故特別擴建，並設有平台花園，由該站乘列車只需4分鐘便可抵海洋公園。

海洋公園站設計盼成景點

梁民發說，日後使用海洋公園站的，相信較多會是旅客，故希望車站的設計與海洋公園主題互相輝映，成為景點一部分，「初步構想在大堂當眼處加入海洋生物、水生動物等（裝飾）」。

海洋公園站與黃竹坑站亦會設環保牆（green wall），幫助降溫。他指出，由於黃竹坑道以北的工廠區日後將大變身，故車站亦會設行人天橋直達該處，而這個高架站下面則會是交通交匯處，可轉乘巴士、小巴等。

南港島線繼續前行，穿過海峽會到達利東站，他表示車站會設在半山的高度，為方便居民，不僅會設升降機出入口，居民亦可經利東商場穿過車站的非付款區，直達日後會發展成美食區的鴨洲大街。尾站海怡半島會有較多居民使用，車站亦會設天橋以便鴨洲西經海怡半島到達車站。

曾參與設計機場鐵路、內地深圳4號線及北京4號線的梁民發說，是次最大挑戰是因為鐵路沿線有不少居民，故在車站設計上有建築物等限制，但又要確保車站日後可方便居民使用。

deasine

August 4th, 2010, 08:07 AM

港鐵算死草拆椅改企位
[本報訊] 港鐵今年六月平均加價百分之二點○五，令每年收入增加逾二億元。乘客多付了車資，但所得服務水平卻未見相應提升，本報發現港鐵有列車車廂的部分座位被拆去，增加企位數目。有立法會議員批評港鐵「見錢開眼」，為求增加載客量而剝削乘客的權利；有關注團體指，港鐵應增加班次以滿足乘客需求，而不是隨便削減座位數目。

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20100804/photo/0804-00176-037h1.jpg

裝小斜板半企半坐
港鐵最近將部分車廂內的座位整列拆去，然後在車廂牆身加裝一塊六、七呎長的金屬斜板，可供約三至四名乘客將臀部靠着小斜板，半站半坐地乘車，設計類似外國廉價航空採用的「站座」（vertical seat）。有關安排可增加企位的空間，讓更多乘客可擠進車廂內，每趟車因此可運載更多乘客。

立法會交通事務委員會成員王國興批評，港鐵拆走座位，簡直是「見錢開眼」，漠視乘客的座位需要，強迫他們進一步變成「沙甸魚」。他指，港鐵如果發現列車載客量不足，應嘗試增加班次或增加車卡數目，而不是剝奪乘客的權利。乘客林先生則不滿，減少座位對孕婦及長者帶來不便。

民間監管公共事業聯委會發言人蔡耀昌則指，港鐵事前應先諮詢乘客，是否希望減少座位以增加企位，否則應增加班次以解決載客量不足的問題。

港鐵回應指，○八年開始在港島線列車進行試驗，增設多用途空間，包括在車廂內增設欄杆，方便乘客。發言人續指，試驗計劃並於去年擴展至荃灣線、觀塘線及將軍澳線列車，預計今年底完成試驗。
(Oriental Daily (http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20100804/00176_037.html), 2010)

EricIsHim

August 6th, 2010, 04:51 AM

^^ BS from Oriental Daily, LegCo member Mr Wong, and Mr Choi.
It just shows that they know nothing about the MTR operation before yelling the nonsense.

How do you increase frequency when MTR is already running at capacity, 1.3 minutes per train during the rush hours? Make a train of trains that tail-gate each other? BS.

Also, how do you increase the number of carriages per train? The platform only allows 8 carriages per train on the three main lines. Are you going to stuck in the tunnel on the 9th, 10th or more carriage and don't get off ever?

hkskyline

August 6th, 2010, 08:28 AM

I don't think trains run at maximum capacity during rush hours though, at least on the Tsuen Wan Line. The frequency is more like 2-3 minutes. I think the continuous door opening and closing delays and the length of the 3 language announcements seriously delays the whole schedule.

Longershanks

August 6th, 2010, 02:42 PM

you could increase capacity by having load / unload on different sides of the train. Requires digging and building additional platforms.

Probably simpler to build additional rail lines that are due to be built but delayed due to HSR. (TD does not have a bottomless pit, there are not a limitless supply of tunelling engineers etc)

Rachmaninov

August 6th, 2010, 03:04 PM

Absolute BS!

hkskyline

August 6th, 2010, 07:06 PM

Well, an additional unloading platform at Central and Admiralty is not going to help much. The problem is people try to rush into a full train, not delays due to incoming and outgoing flows crossing each other.

HSBC

August 7th, 2010, 03:28 PM

Starts off with Melbourne, but ends with story from Hong Kong
DM2plFyiHZQ

So they also recognise MTR as the best subway system in the world?!
Nice:)

Kaitak747

August 11th, 2010, 06:58 PM

Starts off with Melbourne, but ends with story from Hong Kong
QE0JWcilako
DM2plFyiHZQ

omg no idea why I missed these 2 clips, thanks for sharing Eric.

It seems that Hong Kong MTR enjoys high reputation worldwide.

Blackraven

August 13th, 2010, 05:43 PM

You know what. I think it would be cool if MTR would be in-charge of operating the upcoming rail transport service of Macau (which will be constructed in the next few years)

Given the experience and reputation it employs, I think many will be pleased if they be the ones to run the show over there.

Just a thought :)

EricIsHim

August 13th, 2010, 07:58 PM

It seems that Hong Kong MTR enjoys high reputation worldwide.

HK's MTR Corp. indeeds has one of the highest reputation worldwide, except in HK.
Many wish to have the HK system performance, while we are always in complaints for better.
:lol:

Kaitak747

August 14th, 2010, 03:41 AM

HK's MTR Corp. indeeds has one of the highest reputation worldwide, except in HK.
Many wish to have the HK system performance, while we are always in complaints for better.
:lol:

I think the MTR Corp better consider those unreasonable complaints their impetus for further improvement.

sfgadv02

August 15th, 2010, 06:42 AM

Honestly, I am in favour of removing these seats for higher capacity, but I wish MTR would adopt the folding seat method instead so that there will still be seats during the non-peak hours like Japan and most recently the MTA (NY).

W6phGbtbu9g

hkskyline

August 15th, 2010, 05:40 PM

A standing-only car? Think if they reduce the announcements and beeps at every station, they can easily fit a few more trains per hour.

sfgadv02

August 15th, 2010, 07:38 PM

A standing-only car? Think if they reduce the announcements and beeps at every station, they can easily fit a few more trains per hour.

Well, they used to... lol back in the days when it was only Cantonese and English-- and the 9 beeps. Now it's like Cantonese, Mandarin, English and how many beeps? 25? 27? :lol:

Kaitak747

August 19th, 2010, 03:43 PM

港鐵沙田站 7000萬元翻新

【本報訊】兩鐵合併後，港鐵正逐步為原屬九廣鐵路的東鐵線車站「整容」，其中沙田站將耗資 7,000萬元翻新，出入口會以樹木圖案裝飾，站內照明及洗手間等設施都會改善，預計 2012年完成。港鐵公司總建築師楊思偉表示，東鐵沿線車站將以融入大自然作主題，逐步翻新。沙田車站的工程已展開，出入口牆身會以樹木圖案裝飾，車站大堂會加裝木色假天花，牆身則採用石磚砌成。

擴大洗手間
站內設施也會改善，包括加強照明、擴大洗手間等。翻新後，站內商舖數目不會增加。工程耗資 7,000萬元，預計 2012年首季完成。楊思偉表示，東鐵另有兩個車站較早前已開始翻新，其中大埔墟站的工程已完成。旺角東站的翻新工程仍在進行中，包括海水波浪型的假天花裝飾，並會懸掛一組名為「蝌蚪機群」的藝術雕塑，雕塑是六個以東鐵列車外形為設計概念的巨型蝌蚪。預計旺角東站的翻新工程今年第四季完成。港鐵的顧問仍在研究其餘車站的翻新工程設計，暫未定出下一步計劃。

http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com//images/apple-photos/apple/20100819/large/19ls4p3a.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs392.snc4/45554_10150243916305151_396454395150_14529397_7346440_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs140.ash2/40358_10150243915950151_396454395150_14529383_2193843_n.jpg

hkskyline

August 25th, 2010, 11:45 AM

Pickpocketing on the rise on MTR
25 August 2010
South China Morning Post

Pickpocketing cases on the MTR rose by nearly 60 per cent in the first half of this year, compared with the same period last year, but the railway operator says it is still one of the safest urban rail networks in the world.

There were 121 reported cases compared with 76 in the same period last year - an increase of 59 per cent.

But MTR chief of operations Morris Cheung Siu-wah said just 1.5 per cent of all crimes committed in Hong Kong in the first half of this year happened on the MTR.

"It is an extremely low figure considering nearly 4 million people ride our trains each day," Cheung said.

Police and the MTR Corporation yesterday launched a joint campaign to remind passengers to stay alert against crime. Three passengers who had helped prevent crime on the MTR were awarded model passenger certificates at a ceremony.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Kwok Yam-shu said the increase in pickpocketing cases in the first six months was a significant increase compared with last year.

Suspects were arrested in 21 per cent of the cases, compared to 24 per cent in the same period last year.

It is the second most common crime on the MTR, making up almost one-fifth of the 572 reported crime cases in the first half of the year. Shop theft tops the list with 127 cases and other crime includes indecent assault with 71 cases, and under-skirt photo taking with 41 cases.

"One reason for the increased number of pickpocketing cases is an increasing number of tourists in Hong Kong. They become victims easily," Kwok said.

"Another reason is that people have become more alert and are more aware of such crimes.

"In the past, people did not find their belongings missing until long after their journey and could not tell whether they were pickpocketed or had dropped items," he said.

Fok Ngai-fai, 30, a clerk awarded a model passenger certificate, helped catch a man who took photos up a woman's skirt on an MTR platform at Chai Wan station in February.

He saw a man being chased and joined in after being told about the suspected crime. He tried to grab him around the neck and the man bit him on his hand.

But other people helped him and the police arrived to arrest the suspect.

"I didn't worry about my safety at the time but I did when I thought about it afterwards. The criminal may have had weapons," Fok said.

He would take a more careful approach in a similar situation in the future, he said.

Lee Mei-ha, a real-estate agent, helped raise the alarm in a pickpocketing case in June.

It was late at night and Lee became suspicious when she saw a middle-aged man standing close behind a girl as their train pulled into Sham Shui Po station.

She saw the man put his hand into the girl's jacket pocket and pull out a mobile phone with accessories attached to it. She told the girl about the theft and pointed out the thief to her.

The suspect tried to escape when the train stopped but the girl's friends helped catch him. He returned the phone and denied that he had stolen it, but he was later arrested and convicted of theft.

Sheila Tsang Tsz-ting also helped catch a thief in a case involving a mobile phone.

The MTR's Cheung said: "Whether it's noticing a mobile phone being stolen or just somebody acting suspiciously, it is important to inform MTR staff or the police as soon as it is safe to do so."

Kaitak747

August 29th, 2010, 04:35 PM

未來十年香港鐵路網絡仍會繼續伸延

世紀藍圖 - 鐵網之都 Part 1 of 2
TRSzVVdp7HE

世紀藍圖 - 鐵網之都 Part 2 of 2
Dbeva1oC5-A

Kaitak747

September 6th, 2010, 04:36 PM

人地台灣都話要學習,反而自己人只會話冇用大白象 :ohno:

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/5802041.shtml

師法德國香港桃園機場擴大預辦登機

效法德國法蘭克福國際機場模式，桃園機場決定強化「場外服務接軌」。最快今年十月起，除了既有的華航、長榮旅客可在高鐵青埔站「預辦登機」與直掛行李外，包括南航、東航、國航、海航、深航、山航等六家大陸籍航空，也可同步在青埔站預辦登機，直航旅客將可享受無縫接軌的便利性。

此外，正在興建中的機場捷運，交通部也師法香港國際機場，未來將在台北車站與五股站設立「預辦登機」櫃台，交通部長毛治國指出，前者將如香港機場快線深入中環一樣，讓搭機旅客在市中心就可預辦登機；後者則服務北縣中、永和等「較外環」民眾，不用跑到市中心，一樣可享受預辦登機的便捷，不用再拖著行李趕車或滿街跑。

透過高鐵、捷運快線等聯外交通系統，讓機場可以快速串連到市中心，並在市中心設立預辦登機櫃台，向來是國際機場評比的重點項目，全球一流國際機場，都努力「雙管齊下」，讓搭機旅客以最快、最輕鬆的方式搭機，香港國際機場就是其中翹楚。

本報記者實地走訪香港國際機場，發現在明確的科技化與國際化指標、無縫接軌的動線下，多數國際旅客，都可輕鬆利用「機場快線」進出香港國際機場，並且對可以在中環鬧區預辦登機與提前掛行李的服務，讚不絕口。

早在去年十二月十八日起，華航就在高鐵青埔站設立報到櫃台，可在當場拿到登機證外，還可提前託運行李。長榮航空也在今年初採取同樣服務，旅客透過每廿分鐘一班的客運，再接駁到桃園機場，越來越多中、南部旅客採用這種方式到桃園機場，目前每天約有六百多名旅客利用這個便捷系統搭機出國。

桃園機場在整修期間，報到櫃台早就不敷使用，加上兩岸直航增班後，旅客報到的時間恐拉得更長，為減少桃園機場負擔，且增加旅客便利性，華航代理的六家陸籍航空，最快在十月也將可以在高鐵青埔站預辦登機，但民眾最晚要在飛機起飛前九十分鐘辦理。

EricIsHim

September 6th, 2010, 05:01 PM

人地台灣都話要學習,反而自己人只會話冇用大白象 :ohno:

隻白象又未至於係話個市區登機系統，只係話起咗兩個月台同配套，但係就十年多都仲係用得著一個啫~

其實桃園機場都唔係第一個參考市區登機系統的機場，早年都有好多其它城市來取經，
話晒香港當年都係第一個有此系統的地方。

Blackraven

September 6th, 2010, 07:26 PM

EricIsHim

September 6th, 2010, 08:33 PM

^^^
I would've used an online translator but current online translators are shit and quite ineffective.

With that said, care to share with us what you guys are talking about (for us non-Chinese folk). :)

Anyways
I saw "桃園" which I think means Taoyuan which is in Taiwan. So, the discussion is about Taiwan then?

Also:
法德國

France and Germany?

The beauty of Chinese, it has nothing to do with France.

It's an article by the Taiwanese about Taoyuan International is learning from the German's Frankfurt International and HKIA to enchance its in-town check-in services for six other mainland Chinese airlines on top of the current China Air and Eva Air.

The article also mentions Taoyuan International will have an Airport Express like HKIA which goes directly into the city centre.

Kaitak747

September 7th, 2010, 06:34 AM

^^^
I would've used an online translator but current online translators are shit and quite ineffective.

With that said, care to share with us what you guys are talking about (for us non-Chinese folk). :)

Anyways
I saw "桃園" which I think means Taoyuan which is in Taiwan. So, the discussion is about Taiwan then?

Also:
法德國

France and Germany?

ya it has nothing to do with France actually. Btw, For the sake of maintaining the competitive edge among other airports, I think it's time for HKIA as well to learn from our competitors in the region.

Kaitak747

September 17th, 2010, 01:03 PM

StanleyJ

September 18th, 2010, 11:55 AM

北環綫: MTR於今年中期2010中期年報路綫圖中洲頭站已消失

http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/investrelation/interim2010/C104.pdf

http://i.discuss.com.hk/d/attachments/day_100915/20100915_3946108b2b740b42c931rCEwfZbrW32s.jpg

http://i.discuss.com.hk/d/attachments/day_100915/20100915_451ddb7b10ed42485412FRGfoGahnX68.jpg

http://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=13081766&extra=page%3D1

Oh surprise surprise... Kwu Tung station on the Northern Link is right were Sun Hung Kai Properties' Valais (luxury townhouse) development is at...

http://shkp.com.hk/en/scripts/property/property_res_Valais.php

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=102161&sid=29371653&con_type=1&d_str=20100826

Linking up the villages/future new towns between Yuen Long and Lok Ma Chau/Shueng Shui obviously not a priority... :ohno::bash:

EricIsHim

September 18th, 2010, 05:43 PM

I think the plan is going to change again to fit the three new towns that are still in planning with railway.

Blackraven

September 19th, 2010, 11:07 AM

I wonder how much it costs to build a world-class rail transport service.........

With that in mind:
How much did it cost you guys to build the following:

-Airport Express Line
-Rail transport link connecting all two terminals of HKIA/Chek Lap Kok

Thanks :)

Longershanks

September 19th, 2010, 04:46 PM

I think the plan is going to change again to fit the three new towns that are still in planning with railway.

Also the NOL will have to open after the HSR otherwise questions will be raised ref rider-ship numbers. Using the new rail line to have 3 more new towns a long way from the centre should be justification enough for a new NOL.

Kaitak747

September 28th, 2010, 06:38 AM

鐵路100歲新舊員工晚宴賀壽

【記者劉偉權報道】香港鐵路服務踏入一百周年紀念，連串紀念活動陸續展開。前九廣鐵路公司員工為慶祝這件盛事，明晚將舉行自發性百周年晚宴，筵開五十八席共七百人參與，出席者中包括在「九鐵兵變」事件中黯然下台的前九鐵行政總裁黎文熹、前香港鐵路局局長黃汝霖等。

今次鐵路百周年晚宴名為「服務連港穗　鐵路百載情」，是由前九廣鐵路一批元老負責統籌，其中一位最投入參與的「搞手」是前鐵路局局長黃汝霖，雖然今年已八十多歲，但仍「落手落腳」安排晚宴事宜。九廣鐵路車務員協會主席劉彩紅表示，無論現職港鐵、已退休或已離職的前九鐵員工均熱切參與，結果要筵開五十八席才能滿足需求。

紀念郵票推出閃卡小型張
由於港鐵及九鐵公司均沒有出資贊助，約七百名參加者均要自掏腰包，每人花三百元購買餐券參加晚宴，餐券上印有六個不同時期的九廣鐵路公司標誌（見下圖），甚有紀念價值。主辦者亦以第一代九鐵標誌印製了風褸及鴨嘴帽，讓參加者以一百元購買留為紀念。

此外，香港郵政今日正式推出「香港鐵路服務百周年」紀念郵票，一套六枚分別展現不同年代的列車，包括蒸汽火車、柴油火車、電氣化列車、地下鐵路列車、港穗直通車及機場快線，同時亦會發售小型張，以閃卡設計令郵票上列車看起來正在走動。今日亦首度推出火車模型及小全張禮品套裝，每套售一百九十八元。

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20100928/photo/0928-00176-059b1.jpg?t=1285648642887
劉彩紅說鐵路百周年晚宴反應熱烈，紀念風褸及鴨嘴帽亦大賣。

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20100928/photo/0928-00176-059b2.jpg?t=1285648661247

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20100928/photo/0928-00176-059b3.jpg?t=1285648676310

Kaitak747

October 5th, 2010, 05:03 PM

而家連地鐵都要玩集體回憶:lol:

港鐵2010最新廣告「香港鐵路用心鋪出新里程」

從第一條鐵路興建的開始，香港人的生活便與港鐵緊密連繫起來。多年來港鐵公司一直用心為香港市民鋪路，對建設社區及推動香港經濟繁榮發展不遺餘力。最新一輯廣告的故事背景，正是70年代末至90年代的香港，並以繪炙人口的「獅子山下」作背景音樂，帶領大家追溯到70年代，以黃Auntie、李醫生、何經理和張老闆的故事，勾起香港人與港鐵一起成長的集體回憶，細訴興建鐵路時雖然無可避免帶來不便，但全賴香港市民的體諒，成就了今天香港的發展。

踏入21世紀，港鐵公司繼續用心擴展鐵路網絡，為香港鋪出繁榮新里程。正如廣告中的德仔一樣，未來幾年的工程中或許會為市民帶來一些不便，但我們的專業團隊必定盡心盡力，將影響減至最低，希望能得到你的體諒，一起建設香港更繁榮的未來。

hwqZvWXbI_E

Ever since the first railway was built in Hong Kong the network has become an integral part of the lives of Hong Kong citizens. Over the years, MTR has been striving to build a world-class railway network, to develop and grow communities as well as to boost Hong Kong's economy through this key infrastructure. In the Corporation's latest TV commercial, we have taken you back to the 70's, using the golden classic - "Under the Lion Rock" as the background music, to recollect the memories of many Hong Kong citizens who grew up with the development of the railway. In the stories of Auntie Wong, Dr. Lee, Mr. Ho and Mr. Cheung, they have all experienced different levels of inconveniences during railway construction, however, their understanding has helped to create this world-class city now.

Moving into the 21st century, MTR will continue to expand the railway network for the better future of Hong Kong and its citizens. Just like Baby Tak in the commercial, the construction works in the next few years may cause inconveniences to you, however, our professional team will endeavour to minimise such disturbance and hope with your understanding, we can together build a prosperous future for Hong Kong.

Kaitak747

November 20th, 2010, 07:36 PM

港鐵一直鼓勵讓座文化及關懷有需要人士。繼去年十月底推出優先座試驗計劃後，由十月二十六日開始，港鐵將會於各列車逐步換上於椅背塗上Smiley®World哈哈笑臉圖案的優先座，進一步鼓勵乘客讓座予有需要人士。港鐵更特別將港島綫、荃灣綫及觀塘綫三部率先換上新優先座的列車，精心包裝成優先座主題列車，配以各款生動有趣的Smiley®World哈哈笑臉造型及標語，帶出常讓座的美德和好處，並提醒大家「常讓座，心感激」﹣你樂於讓座，受惠的人必會心存感激。

為配合是次推廣，港鐵更邀請了一班小站長與Smiley®World 哈哈笑臉一同推動讓座文化。

要令每位乘客都享有開心愉快的旅程，就讓我們同心協力，關懷有需要人士，令旅程滿載歡笑。

http://www.mtr.com.hk/chi/whatsnew/priorityseats/2010.gif

Kaitak747

November 22nd, 2010, 06:36 AM

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/projects/Northern-Subway.jpg

港鐵尖沙咀站將興建行人隧道，把現有月台北端連接至東英大廈重建計劃（現稱為「The One」）地庫的新建綜合出入口。新行人隧道長約110米，備有空調系統，沿彌敦道地下向北延伸。現有的港鐵尖東站A1出入口亦將改建，並安裝新扶手電梯及升降機，連接車站大堂、地面及九龍公園出入口。

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/projects/Club-Street-Subway.jpg

為了加強現有港鐵中環站的易達程度，公司建議興建會所街行人隧道將車站大堂連接至干諾道中3號重建項目（前麗嘉酒店）。工程竣工後，公眾將可從車站大堂利用35米長的新通道步行至該新發展項目，新通道由部份現時位於出口J3旁的機房及會所街之下長18米的隧道組成。透過這條直接及不受天氣影響的行人通道，公眾可以使用該新發展項目內的升降機及自動電梯通往地面街道。

行人隧道將由該重建項目以地底挖掘方式而建造，不會影響現時路面交通、行人路或港鐵乘客。

EricIsHim

November 23rd, 2010, 12:37 AM

TST and Jordan are getting closer and closer to merge into on station.

Kaitak747

December 12th, 2010, 06:25 PM

T9RIOvmoiBA

Kaitak747

December 12th, 2010, 06:55 PM

http://www.ce.cn/cysc/newmain/dh/gq/201012/06/W020101206535557476067.jpg
http://upload.trend.hk/images/1291637568.JPG

12月6日，世界最高端的地鐵車香港鐵路公司（港鐵）西港島線項目首列車在中國北車長客股份公司下線，這也是中國北車長客股份今年研發和制造的第1000列地鐵列車，預計全年將產地鐵1200列。這標志著中國北車成為世界規模最大、研發能力最強的城鐵車研制出口基地。此次下線的香港地鐵是世界上迄今為止車體強度最高、車輛使用壽命最長、噪音控制和防火標準世界最高的地鐵列車，也是目前與國際大都市最為匹配的地鐵之一。中國北車將以研制香港地鐵的高標準，復制到中國北車為北京、上海、廣州、深圳等地所研制的地鐵項目中去，升級國內一線城市的地鐵裝備水平尤其是安全防護水平。香港地鐵西港島線項目是國內第一個為香港特別行政區研制的地鐵項目，也是國內企業第一次成功打入國際高端城市軌道車輛市場。作為我國具有自主知識產權的創新產品，該車車體強度、壽命、噪音控制、防火性能等方面均采用了國際最高標準，填補了國內A型高檔不銹鋼地鐵車的空白。香港地鐵車為A型不銹鋼輕量化不涂裝車體，采用安全性和舒適性極高的、全新設計的轉向架。列車采用8輛編組，6動2拖，最高運營時速80公里/小時。列車車體強度世界最高，可實現抗壓1500千牛（約150噸），抗拉1000千牛（約150噸）的載荷要求。列車的車輛使用壽命可達40年，而普通地鐵的使用壽命僅為30年。列車的防火標準為世界最高，車輛內飾材料在阻燃、煙密度、毒性等各方面完全滿足英國BS6853防火標準。車輛底部騎在軌道上奔跑的轉向架采用大柔度空氣彈簧和并列的垂向減振器，能最大限度地抵消列車運行時產生的振蕩，增加乘客乘坐的舒適感。此外，列車車輛工藝制造要求也最高，整車車體側墻平整度小于2毫米。作為國際高端地鐵車的典型代表，港鐵首列車下線，標志著中國北車長客股份公司已經擁有了一套獨立、完整、先進的城鐵車研發制造體系，車輛研發能力達到世界一流水平。研制香港地鐵車，也根本提升了中國北車長客股份公司的城軌地鐵車研制水平與能力，使企業在設計制造理念、制造工藝流程、產品評價標準和工人操作規范上都實現了前所未有的革命性變化。以港鐵研制為基礎，長客股份公司正系統化梳理研制城軌地鐵車四十多年的經驗與教訓，結合香港地鐵車輛研制，形成未來城軌地鐵車輛的系列化、模塊化、標準化、平臺化研制基礎與條件，極大推動國內城鐵產品研制的水平與標準。據長客股份公司主管城軌地鐵車研發設計的副總工程師賈波介紹，他們已經應用港鐵設計標準與理念，在巴西地鐵、阿根廷地鐵等項目上實現了項目獲取、產品研發、標準應用上的重大成功，并正在將港鐵標準移植于國內產品的研發制造過程，為提升國內城軌交通裝備研制水平作出積極貢獻。年產1000輛城鐵車，是地鐵年產量的世界紀錄。作為中國第一列地鐵和第一列輕軌車輛的制造商，伴隨著中國高速動車組技術的吸收再創新，中國北車長客股份在軌道車輛研發制造方面的能力及技術標準得到迅速提升，在國際市場上的競爭力也顯著增強。在這1000輛地鐵中，共有國內外22個城鐵車項目，其中包括北京15號線地鐵車輛，首次采用國產化網絡控制系統，標志著中國北車長客股份公司成為中國第一家實現列車網絡控制系統自主化的軌道交通車輛制造企業；國家“十一五”科技支撐項目我國首列100%低地板輕軌車，于8月24日通過科技部驗收，填補了國內空白；出口沙特的麥加朝覲線地鐵車，可滿足50℃車輛全性能運行要求，并保證車輛在8級風力下正常工作，是世界同類車輛中最大編組、最大運能、耐高溫風沙、安全冗余充分的地鐵車輛。還有國內首列城際輕軌車廣佛輕軌、伊朗馬沙德70%低地板輕軌車、北京亦莊線地鐵車、重慶3號線地鐵、重慶6號線地鐵、西安地鐵、泰國曼谷地鐵車等等，千輛城鐵件件精品，款款車型各有千秋。目前，中國北車是國內唯一一個能夠研發并批量生產鋁合金、不銹鋼、碳鋼等不同材質，單軌、雙軌不同軌道運行方式，旋轉電機、直線電機不同牽引方式，A、 B、C不同車型城市軌道車輛的企業，成為世界上生產規模最大、研發能力最強的城鐵車研制和出口基地。
（來源：中國北方機車車輛工業集團公司）

http://i54.tinypic.com/2eokunt.jpg
http://i53.tinypic.com/28usl4z.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/acs976.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/2dieqh4.jpg

Blackraven

December 14th, 2010, 03:50 PM

^^^Oooh, new train? :)

Blackraven

December 16th, 2010, 10:09 AM

Btw:

Slightly off-topic but I have a question: which exit is this located:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6260_106436407332_106387452332_2207741_8037524_n.jpg

Thanks :)

EricIsHim

December 16th, 2010, 07:50 PM

Btw:

Slightly off-topic but I have a question: which exit is this located:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6260_106436407332_106387452332_2207741_8037524_n.jpg

Thanks :)

Exit A4 for China United Centre
http://bit.ly/ejv9c6

Blackraven

December 24th, 2010, 12:12 PM

Exit A4 for China United Centre
http://bit.ly/ejv9c6

Thanks

P.S.
Btw, electronic ticket machines in HK MTR stations offer a "concession" option.

Does the ticket machine require identification in order to access the concession option? Or can anyone just get a concession ticket and dodge paying full price of the adult ticket???

EricIsHim

December 24th, 2010, 04:15 PM

Thanks

P.S.
Btw, electronic ticket machines in HK MTR stations offer a "concession" option.

Does the ticket machine require identification in order to access the concession option? Or can anyone just get a concession ticket and dodge paying full price of the adult ticket???

You don't need a special identification to purchase the ticket, but it makes a distinct sound and light through the turnstile when you enter and exit the paid-area. If you get caught cheating, you will be fined heavily, and I believe the MTR ordinance also says you are subjected to be jailed!

Kaitak747

December 31st, 2010, 10:26 PM

_lQ_WlTfwOc_

EricIsHim

January 1st, 2011, 12:39 AM

superchan7

January 1st, 2011, 01:45 AM

Retrofitting to old platforms seems to be a big challenge due to the relatively aged and crude construction.

East Rail line really needs these.

aznichiro115

January 1st, 2011, 11:50 PM

I wonder what happens between days during the day time. Are the installed doors left on the platform, and therefore wide open at some location along the platform, or are they being taken down every night.

they are left up where they are installed already, in the open position, same thing was done for underground platform screen doors

Rachmaninov

January 2nd, 2011, 07:22 AM

If this is to happen in London they'd say "Planned engineering works every weekend between December 2010 and March 2016. Please seek alternative routes. Tickets will also be accepted on buses." Once they finished, there will be headlines on the METRO saying "State-of-the-art platform doors installed on world's oldest underground"...

StanleyJ

January 2nd, 2011, 05:23 PM

If this is to happen in London they'd say "Planned engineering works every weekend between December 2010 and March 2026. Please seek alternative routes. Tickets will also be accepted on buses." Once they finished, there will be headlines on the METRO saying "State-of-the-art platform doors installed on world's oldest underground"...

Correction*. ;)

* I'm allowed, I lived in the UK for over a decade... :P

Rachmaninov

January 2nd, 2011, 06:34 PM

Correction*. ;)

* I'm allowed, I lived in the UK for over a decade... :P

No objection to that! :lol:

Kaitak747

January 2nd, 2011, 09:40 PM

1990年 - 九廣鐵路八十年 (Part 1)

September 19, 2010

「九廣鐵路八十年」的影片描述九廣鐵路自一九一零年通車至一九九零年其間八十年來的發展經過。本片一方面講述九廣鐵路的成長，另一方面亦勾畫新界的發展，而這塊土地現時已聚居了不少居民，佔香港人口三份之一以上. 九廣鐵路的故事就隨著新界的發展展示出來。

Part 1
QYWeTB8IZpA

Part 2
iAcZ819RvPI

Blackraven

January 4th, 2011, 08:57 AM

^^ Finally!! It's been long waited.
The work it requires to install a single door is quite labour intensive, and the MTR only has 5 hours to work every night. I wonder what happens between days during the day time. Are the installed doors left on the platform, and therefore wide open at some location along the platform, or are they being taken down every night.

Yup great news. I think Kowloon Bay station is getting these as well in 2012-2013. Hopefully all remaining MTR stations without gates or doors will have these installed in the future :)

Kaitak747

January 5th, 2011, 08:13 PM

初出廠的地鐵都城列車

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5172433205_c360a5483c_o.jpg

Kaitak747

January 17th, 2011, 11:42 AM

牛頭角站有乘客廁所
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs785.ash1/167584_1480697348642_1570067561_30955503_2195848_n.jpg
http://l25.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc6/hs065.snc6/167584_1480697388643_1570067561_30955504_3235915_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs785.ash1/167584_1480697428644_1570067561_30955505_3826828_n.jpg

http://www.discuss.com.hk/forumdisplay.php?fid=310

Kaitak747

January 19th, 2011, 04:28 AM

參與西九設計公司 OMA翻新港鐵車站

【明報專訊】提出在西九文化區興建跨出大海環形橋的建築設計公司「OMA」，將為港鐵進行形象大翻新，重頭戲是重新設計兩個現車站，為乘客帶來全新乘車經驗，預計於2014年前落成啟用，或於2020年將設計擴展至所有港鐵車站。

OMA日前從多間國際公司中脫穎而出，為港鐵打造嶄新的形象策略，合伙人David Gianotten認為，OMA對香港有一定認識是獲選原因之一。

兩全新車站料2014用

港鐵暫未決定兩個試點車站，不過David透露，有關車站位於本港中心地帶，有大量轉駁人流，同時具備香港特色，港鐵將於4星期後公布最終獲選的車站。

OMA對打造鐵路早有經驗，法國里爾的高速鐵路站亦出於其手筆，未來6個月OMA將收集人流數據和乘客意見，分析後將手設計、改造，當中包括車站與地面的互動和連接性、大堂、月台、站內設施、指示牌、車身設計，務求為乘客提供一個更具效率、舒適、方便、安全的乘車體驗。預計兩個全新姿態的車站將於2014年前投入服務，如計劃成功，港鐵將於2020年把設計擴展至所有港鐵車站，包括路面鐵路。

談及西九管理局前行政總裁謝卓飛突然以健康理由辭職，David對此感遺憾，過往亦未察覺他有異樣，惟認為西九評選工作不會受影響。兩人素有私交，David事後亦有發短訊慰問，但說不便透露對方回覆內容。

Kaitak747

January 20th, 2011, 01:37 PM

jCXD9DBX-vo

Kaitak747

January 21st, 2011, 07:46 AM

http://i.discuss.com.hk/d/attachments/day_110121/20110121_142eec1c1ce61cae7f94addbQdjVi1Eg.jpg
http://i.discuss.com.hk/d/attachments/day_110121/20110121_a4273d29b9630624888eUyy8xW1XdHMy.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs740.ash1/163274_1530717343641_1105967282_31224266_1849493_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs433.snc4/47638_1530706023358_1105967282_31224206_5901890_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs001.snc6/165127_1530712223513_1105967282_31224245_6370935_n.jpg

http://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=13685955&extra=page%3D1&page=1

EricIsHim

January 21st, 2011, 10:38 PM

Are these higher than the PSD in Sunny Bay and Disney?

hkskyline

January 22nd, 2011, 06:43 AM

Watchdog backs MTR carriages for women
22 January 2011
South China Morning Post

The equal opportunity watchdog has given qualified backing to women-only carriages on the MTR as the number of groping incidents continues to rise.

Police figures show that complaints regarding groping are on the rise. The number of reports went up from 98 in 2006 to 110 in 2009, and there were 126 such reports in the first 10 months of last year. The number of reports of people taking upskirt photos also rose from 67 in 2006 to 80 in 2009, and 75 for the first 10 months of 2010.

The MTR Corporation has resisted the idea of women-only carriages, citing possible service delays, difficulties in enforcement, and concerns that the move could breach sex discrimination laws which protect men and women.

In a paper presented at yesterday's Legislative Council transport panel subcommittee meeting, the rail operator said: "Questions such as why would male passengers be refused the equal services offered to female passengers and should male-only compartments be provided so as to ensure both sexes are treated equally would arise."

Dr Jacob Kam Chak-pui, the MTR's operations director, also told the subcommittee that women-only carriages were not common on most of the world's major railways.

Legislators called the corporation inconsiderate. Lau Kong-wah, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said he appreciated there could be problems, "but why do we not give it a try first and see what problems actually arise? We should not give up the idea just because of some possible operational issues."

The subcommittee passed a non-binding motion calling on the MTR to operate women-only compartments on a trial basis.

A spokesman for the Equal Opportunities Commission said: "Our initial view is that if the MTR can justify this - say, if it is for the prevention of crimes - then it should not be regarded as an infringement of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance."

Some other big cities have adopted women-only carriages. Japan has a long history of them, and they are being adopted in India, Indonesia, Dubai, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Egypt.

The subcommittee also endorsed a motion calling on the MTR to build platform screen doors as soon as possible at stations on the East Rail and Ma On Shan lines. The MTR, however, argued that technical limitations, especially in the signalling system, would make the installation of such safety doors cost-ineffective.

The company wants to build screen doors on the platforms of stations of its East Rail Line and the future Sha Tin to Central Link at the same time in order to save money and help overcome technical difficulties.

Kaitak747

January 22nd, 2011, 07:56 AM

Are these higher than the PSD in Sunny Bay and Disney?

It looks higher than the one installed in Sunny Bay

Longershanks

January 24th, 2011, 03:59 AM

China's railway rush on a track to trouble
Toh Han Shih in Beijing
Jan 24, 2011

The good times are gone for Hong Kong's metro rail development, and the blistering pace of rail development on the mainland is sowing serious problems that are likely to emerge in the years ahead, say rail experts.

"In Hong Kong, the golden days [of metro] are gone" said Lee Kang-kuen, head of the Hangzhou project for MTR Corporation (SEHK: 0066), the Hong Kong-listed firm that builds and operates all metro rail systems in the city. "Despite the good development of metro, we have come to a critical stage. There are major bottlenecks facing Hong Kong metro in the next decade. Politically, the government assigning land to the MTR has become hot politically. It's no longer viable to subsidise railway projects in Hong Kong [with property development]."

Lee's warning was seconded by others at the recent China RailWorld Summit in Beijing, and the outlook was also cloudy for the mainland, though the issue there was the future consequences of rapid development.

There was now more political activism in Hong Kong, said another transport consultant, who asked not to be named.

"Some opposition politicians will complain the cost of an MTR project is too much or some local residents may lose out," he said. "It's not a strictly transport point but a political point. Even mundane issues are becoming increasingly controversial."

Transport projects were costly, and their benefits took years to come, said the consultant.

"The public often don't realise the benefits. Rightly or wrongly, the Hong Kong government has lost the trust of the people in transport projects."

In January last year, protesters took to the streets and clashed with police in demonstrations against the Express Rail Link, the planned high-speed rail line between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. They were concerned about the HK$66.9 billion cost, the environmental impact of the project and the effect on villages in the New Territories that the rail line will pass through.

In Hong Kong, ever-rising housing prices are a sensitive political topic, as homes have become unaffordable for many people. Yet metro rail lines want to maximise their revenue from property development, which creates a contradiction, said Dennis Li, director of MetroSolutions, a Hong Kong transport consultancy.

Under the MTR's business model, property developers build on land around MTR stations, from which the MTR gets a share of the property sales. The MTR benefits from higher property prices but buyers are squeezed.

"I agree the glory days of Hong Kong metro are over," said Li.

Most of the highly lucrative rail lines had already been built in Hong Kong, he said. Future rail lines would have lower profitability on the whole.

"If they are so profitable, why not build them earlier?" he said.

Another bottleneck facing metro development in Hong Kong is government bureaucracy, said the MTR's Lee. "Most [railway projects] involve many government departments. We must deal with a dozen bureaucratic departments at the same time, satisfying their secret agendas. That will be very difficult."

On the mainland, there are few bottlenecks impeding the rapid rollout of urban rail systems, but problems were being created for the future, said Lee.

"The rapid growth of China's urban railway is planting a lot of time bombs for the future," he said. "A lot of cities along the China metro railway are being built at super-fast speed. In five years, asset replacement will be a major issue for metros in China."

Li agreed with that view. "If you're building so many railways at the same time, when you need to upgrade components you have a problem," he said. "Now you have the money to build railways, but it doesn't mean you have the money to upgrade them in the future, because they all depreciate at the same time."

For 2011 to 2015, Beijing has budgeted 1.25 trillion yuan (HK$1.48 trillion) to build 2,200 kilometres of rail lines in 16 cities, almost tripling the existing 1,400 kilometres of urban rail. Analysts expect China to overtake the United States in having the most extensive urban rail networks in the world by next year.

Apart from the financial cost, upgrading rail lines also requires time and labour and is made difficult because the work needs to be done during non-traffic hours, said Li. Hong Kong faced a similar problem because it was building so many rail lines, Li said.

The MTR has completed on average about one rail line every three years, he said. "Now in Hong Kong they want to build five rail lines at the same time. There is a problem. It's a scale MTR has never experienced. I don't see how we can do five railways at the same time."

The five lines are the Express Rail Link, the West Island Line, the South Island Line, the Sha Tin to Central Link and the Kwun Tong extension.

In October 2008, chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen launched 10 major infrastructure projects at an estimated cost of HK$250 billion, including rail lines like the Express Rail Link and the Sha Tin to Central Link.

Li estimated the depreciation problem of the MTR's new rail lines would become apparent around 2025 - based on a completion date of 2015 and a depreciation period of 10 years, which is the MTR's depreciation policy.

"In Europe you didn't have such a bonanza, building so many railways at the same time," said Li. "Paris' metro was not built in one day, nor was London's."

"The rush to construct subways in China can have a serious problem that is not apparent now but may surface in the future," said Hah Foo Kian, a mainland-based executive at Evans & Peck, an international infrastructure consultancy. "Building subways for second- and third-tier cities has become a trend. Everyone wants one, mostly motivated by the political performance of local government officials." But many local governments spend little time studying the feasibility and business viability of investing in subways, he said.

Pressured by government officials, construction time is being compressed to an extremely short period in some mainland city metro rail projects, Hah said. "Contractors tend to take more risks to speed up construction. We witnessed many contractors disregarding good practices, taking fewer precautions to protect site and workers' safety to speed up construction."

As a result, the quality of construction of some mainland urban railway projects may suffer, Hah warned. "This may not become apparent immediately, but there is a risk that, in 10 to 20 years, many quality problems will surface on a massive scale."

There is also the question of competition from other forms of transport. "In some Chinese cities I worked in, the metro is rolled out quickly, but bus operators are reluctant to alter their routes," said Richard Di Bona, a director of LLA Consultancy. "Bus networks are typically 30 to 40 years out of date. If buses don't work well, you're undermining access to rail."

hkskyline

January 24th, 2011, 04:17 AM

But the MTR also provides consultancy services and helps build and manage subway networks in the mainland. Surely that must be a good revenue source as well?

EricIsHim

January 24th, 2011, 06:04 AM

And MTR Corp also runs property management, it's more than just a railway building and operator these days. At some point, railway is going to penetrate most part of HK, and no new rail will be built forever.

Even without the continuous of new rail construction, MTR should still be able to run in a profitable fashion.
It's one of the only few (maybe the only one) metro rail operator in the world has profit from ridership alone to cover the cost of rail operation; and even more profitable coming from the other services that it offers. In the future, the firm may spend more in maintenance than construction in the operation sector, but the ever growing travel demand is always there along the existing lines to keep the operator profitable. The growth of the corporation may not be as fast, but it isn't going to lose money.

The article pointed out some good points that MTR or other infrastructures needs faces these days, where professional technical opinions and decisions are ruled out by politicians in the current term for the sack of publicity, popularity and the ever claiming short-sighted "public interest." Even when things get through the politicians, it is difficult and shouldn't be have happened. The article have multiple sources saying the same thing over and over, which is a strong statement from the industry, not just MTR alone. These politicians, usually come from a lawyers or social workers background, always fail to see the long term benefit of rail or transportation infrastructure constructions, nor the indirect benefit that rail will bring; and then reluctant to listen the professional opinion just like the government reluctant to listen the public opinion. If the project can not be self-finance, that is a no to them. In their vision, 1+1 must equals to 2, but this is not always true in infrastructure investment.

Kaitak747

January 24th, 2011, 08:28 AM

Don't forget MTRC currently runs the underground in Stockholm and Melbourne and the overground system in London.

Longershanks

January 24th, 2011, 01:46 PM

MTRc is a property company as it derives the majority of its profit from property development.

aab7772003

January 25th, 2011, 12:38 AM

MTRc is a property company

This is because it does not build your wet-dream mega bus terminals and the East-West NT rail lines through Tai Mo Shan. Franchise bus operators also have to transform themselvels into "property companies" if they are going to build the kind of mega bus terminals you almost can fondle in your wet dreams at night.

Longershanks

January 25th, 2011, 09:43 AM

This is because it does not build your wet-dream mega bus terminals and the East-West NT rail lines through Tai Mo Shan. Franchise bus operators also have to transform themselvels into "property companies" if they are going to build the kind of mega bus terminals you almost can fondle in your wet dreams at night.

The fact that the Government chooses not to build efficient public transport interchanges is something that does not benefit society. Having a Property+trains model with road based transport policies being directed towards only increasing road surface area is somewhat limited and past its useful date.

Most major cities HAVE a policy for promoting bus use while HK only has a policy for making buses polluting and slow.

Longershanks

January 25th, 2011, 09:45 AM

Warped view is a pointer to the future of public transport
Jake van der Kamp
Jan 25, 2011

"Some opposition politicians will complain the cost of an MTR project is too much or some local residents may lose out."

Anonymous consultant,
China RailWorld Summit, Beijing
SCMP, January 24

Click here to find out more!

Stand anywhere that gives you a clear view across the harbour from the Central waterfront and you will notice an oddity, a ring of densely packed very tall buildings just the other side of that piece of Kowloon wasteland dubbed a cultural district.

Tall buildings sprouted all over Kowloon when height limitations were lifted with the relocation of the airport from Kai Tak in 1998 but, even so, this ring of new buildings is an oddity. It sits distinctly separate from the rest of Kowloon and around it all is still just muck, construction rubble and temporary roadways. What strange planning anomaly spawned this ugliness?

It was an ugliness created for the benefit of the Modern Town Redevelopment Co (MTRC (SEHK: 0066)), otherwise known as the Mass Transit Railway, an entirely inappropriate name as, aside from station advertisements that present it mostly as a promoter of women's underwear fashions, it is primarily a property firm that operates loss-making railways as a sideline.

And whenever it is about to crawl out of loss at last, it proposes some new uneconomic railway project so it can stay in the red forever.

What happened in this case is that our Donald, when he was financial secretary back in 1999, publicly said he could value this thing at HK$100 billion when listing it on the market. That was until he mentioned this figure to the investment bankers, who told him that the public purse may have put HK$100 billion into the MTR but the investing public wouldn't value it at much more than HK$20 billion.

Now, if you are not aware of it yet, you ought to know that our Donald cannot bear to lose face and would rather put Hong Kong's finances at risk. He did it a year earlier with a HK$120 billion stock market bet when the market wouldn't do what he wanted it to do and was quite happy to do it again to get his way with the MTR.

He directed his minions to the reclaimed land over the water and said (and these are his exact words, I swear it), "Take that big reclamation site there, stick it into the MTR, raise all the building height limitations to as high as the orbit of the moon and sell it to Sun Hung Kai Properties (SEHK: 0016). Now have I got my hundred billion?"

Yes, boss, they said, and he did.

I tell this story to demonstrate the cavalier attitude that government politicians, as distinct from opposition ones, routinely take towards the economics of transport projects. More cavalier yet, however, is the attitude that transport engineers and consultants, such as the one quoted at the top of this column, adopt towards money when licking their chops at the prospect of building a new railway. Bring them together and they go wild. The one I quoted treated cost as worthy of no more consideration than obstructions created by placard-waving villagers trying to get more than the already extortionate payments given them for moving.

It is the sort of thing, he implies, that you get from opposition politicians, you know, self-seeking troublemakers who throw sand in the wheels of progress. We don't have such irresponsible elements in Beijing. Why do you people in Hong Kong tolerate them?

Let's set this warped picture straight. If we in Hong Kong choose not to cover our commuting costs through the fares we pay, then we must pay some other way. The one we have chosen is through our greatest treasure - publicly owned land. It all contributes to higher prices and rents for housing. Stop complaining about the property market if you take the MTR.

The same conundrum faces transport planners on the mainland. But instead of opting for what the MTR calls the "property model", they have chosen to raise money by raiding their banks. I can't give you exact figures for how much of this till-pillaging has gone on as cost is either so little regarded in Beijing that no one has bothered to publish proper figures or so horrendously out of line with returns no one has dared to. We do know, however, that the private sector has scorned high-speed rail, although original projections called for it to be a significant contributor and we do know that the shortfall has been made up by leaning on the banks.

This is no rail network in the making. This is rather a budding bank crisis.

jake.vanderkamp@scmp.com

gakei

January 25th, 2011, 11:37 AM

MTRc is a property company as it derives the majority of its profit from property development.

Please support your comments by quoting relevant financial figures.

hkskyline

January 25th, 2011, 12:03 PM

MTRc is a property company as it derives the majority of its profit from property development.

I also would like to see the profit breakdown between rail operations and property.

aab7772003

January 26th, 2011, 12:52 AM

The fact that the Government chooses not to build efficient public transport interchanges is something that does not benefit society. Having a Property+trains model with road based transport policies being directed towards only increasing road surface area is somewhat limited and past its useful date.

Most major cities HAVE a policy for promoting bus use while HK only has a policy for making buses polluting and slow.

Yes, the "efficient" "mega" "bus interchanges" in your wet dreams.
By the way, it is like that your dedicated bus lane scheme will not increase road surfaces.

Longershanks

January 26th, 2011, 01:57 AM

Longershanks

January 26th, 2011, 02:42 AM

Yes, the "efficient" "mega" "bus interchanges" in your wet dreams.
By the way, it is like that your dedicated bus lane scheme will not increase road surfaces.

Efficient multi-mode transport interchanges do not have to be large

Bus lanes do not have to be 'new' roads, converting existing roads is the method used by most urban Governments who are trying to cut pollution and reduce average journey time for the general public.

lkiller123

January 26th, 2011, 04:16 AM

I also would like to see the profit breakdown between rail operations and property.

Property developments used to earn big bucks for MTR back in 2007.
Property profit: 8.3 billion
Railway operations: 5.9 billion
http://mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-08-026-E1.pdf

But now, they earn a LOT more in rail operations than property management.
Property: 3.5 billion
Rail: 9.5 billion
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/2009frpt_e/E108.pdf

gakei

January 26th, 2011, 07:16 AM

http://tinyurl.com/6fv6dkl

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704784904575111320832780414.html

The numbers in the article do not seem to add-up but roughly trains make up a 1/4 of the profit. No clear indication how much ticket v non-ticket sales.
Rail operations $2.12b
Property management $2.01b
Property development $3.55b
Revaluation Gain $2.80b
Total $10.48b

I can't see the contents of the article you quoted.

If you know yourself the numbers can't add-up so what is the meaning for you to add them up? What is the meaning of "$10.48b"? Please double check.

I am seeing the figures in the following extract from financial report:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/investrelation/2009frpt_e/E116.pdf
(Page 74, top left corner)

Operating Profit Contributions (HK$M)

8 (0.1%) Railway franchises outside of Hong Kong

3,554 (27.2%) Property development

2,062 (15.8%) Property ownership, management and other businesses

7,432 (56.9%) Railway operations and related businesses

===== =====
13,056 (100.0%)

Longershanks

January 26th, 2011, 01:17 PM

2009 was not such a good year for property, will probably be back to normal in 2010

aab7772003

January 26th, 2011, 01:18 PM

Efficient multi-mode transport interchanges do not have to be large

Bus lanes do not have to be 'new' roads, converting existing roads is the method used by most urban Governments who are trying to cut pollution and reduce average journey time for the general public.

"Most"? I do not live under a rock. I am actually aware of what is happening in Japan, Western Europe and North America.

I am pretty sure that we are talking about the democratic developed nation lifestyle here. That means that there will be plently of drivers in private vehicles out on the roads no matter what the policies are.

Of course, I know you are talking about dedicated bus lanes because you are infamous for repititons here. Pushing private vehicles out of the existing roads for the buses is not exactly the right method.

By the way, MTR/KCR originally planned for a West Rail station at Ocean City but the Wharf Holdings Limited did not cooperate at all. The alternative station Austin Road will not be so isolated anymore really soon because it will be connected to the Mainland express terminus currently in construction. MTR being a "property company" is also a product of necessity. It is obvious that you ignore the fact that most public transport auhorities around the world are heavily subsidized by tax revenues. The money has to come from somewhere somehow.

gakei

January 26th, 2011, 04:14 PM

2009 was not such a good year for property, will probably be back to normal in 2010

That means what you claimed is wrong.

Longershanks

January 28th, 2011, 03:12 PM

That means what you claimed is wrong.

Can you expand?

Surely 2009 is the exception that proves the rule

gakei

January 28th, 2011, 03:54 PM

Can you expand?

Surely 2009 is the exception that proves the rule

What you said was: "MTRc is a property company as it derives the majority of its profit from property development."

2009 as the most recent year (where financial figures are available), property development was only minority (27%) source of profit. Please also see the figures in 2008, property development's also the minority (33%). You were probably right for 2007 or before but it was before the Rail Merger when MTR had no KCR network which was totally different from that is currently.

In addition, 2010 interim results showed that the profits from property development shared around 40% of the total. Still not the "majority".

Therefore you better use the past tense at least until the 2010 final figures come out later this year.

Kaitak747

January 28th, 2011, 05:34 PM

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Longershanks

January 28th, 2011, 11:19 PM

In addition, 2010 interim results showed that the profits from property development shared around 40% of the total. Still not the "majority".

Do you know how much of the profit from the railway operation comes from non-ticket operations?

gakei

January 29th, 2011, 03:01 AM

Do you know how much of the profit from the railway operation comes from non-ticket operations?

Check if there is an answer yourself.

http://www.mtr.com.hk/

Longershanks

January 29th, 2011, 11:37 PM

hkskyline

January 30th, 2011, 07:50 AM

But does that mean the MTR is not able to access debt on the market?

gakei

January 30th, 2011, 08:46 AM

As much of the financing for the MTR comes from property (rather than debt) and a significant chunk of train revenue is non-ticket the argument MTRc is a property company seems valid regardles ofne ears results when property prices were relatively very low.

No property = no trains

"much" is not the same meaning as "majority". Please check dictionary and find out the definitions.

I am seeing "sands on floor".

aab7772003

January 31st, 2011, 03:17 AM

As much of the financing for the MTR comes from property (rather than debt) and a significant chunk of train revenue is non-ticket the argument MTRc is a property company seems valid regardles ofne ears results when property prices were relatively very low.

No property = no trains

or...

"No tax revenues, no trains" in many other countries.

Shut the fuck up, bus fetishist.

lkiller123

January 31st, 2011, 03:19 AM

or...

"No tax revenues, no trains" in many other countries.

Shut the fuck up, bus fetishist.

You mad.

Rachmaninov

January 31st, 2011, 07:20 PM

You mad.

No he isn't. Somebody else is! :nuts:

Kaitak747

January 31st, 2011, 09:34 PM

Anyway let's calm down la

Chinese Lunar New Year is coming ar ma :banana:

Longershanks

February 1st, 2011, 02:13 PM

Rachmaninov

February 2nd, 2011, 08:25 PM

the property / trains model has worked very well for HK. Kept taxes low while putting flats on top of stations. Unfortunately isn't HK running out of land to inject into the MTR now that it a publicly traded company.

Pro-public transport not just pro-bus or pro-train. Some recent projects seem more about national virility than good efficient public transport.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy new year to you too!

Perhaps you can be slightly more specific as to what projects you were thinking about?

aab7772003

February 3rd, 2011, 01:02 AM

the property / trains model has worked very well for HK. Kept taxes low while putting flats on top of stations. Unfortunately isn't HK running out of land to inject into the MTR now that it a publicly traded company.

Pro-public transport not just pro-bus or pro-train. Some recent projects seem more about national virility than good efficient public transport.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Right, because your wet-dream mega bus interchanges are not included in "those" projects.

Once upon a time, "the flying Hamburger" service between Hamburg and Berlin was a vanity/virility project too.

Longershanks

February 3rd, 2011, 03:18 AM

Right, because your wet-dream mega bus interchanges are not included in "those" projects.

Once upon a time, "the flyer Hamburger" service between Hamburg and Berlin was a vanity/virility project too.

Recent MTR stations do seem to have less efficient bus interchanges and projects such as moving the Bus/Ferry interchange at TST, the complete lack of inter-district bus lanes etc show road based mass transport is low on the current administrations priority list.

Having trains top is no problem but surely buses not cars should be 2nd?

Longershanks

February 3rd, 2011, 03:23 AM

Happy new year to you too!

Perhaps you can be slightly more specific as to what projects you were thinking about?

Tamar Government offices - Prime location on the waterfront - but really it is so they can rip down old offices and sell them for another shopping mall/office

HSR - No one can make the figures add up, pro integration and pro train groups only ones in favour

Longest bridge to MAcau - the cheaper and probably better option would be a bridge from Zongshan area to Bo'an

Stonecutters Bridge - being used at approx 20% of expected usage in 2011 -

Eastern corridor to Shenzhen - just another integration project that may / may not be needed - but probably is?

aab7772003

February 4th, 2011, 12:39 AM

Recent MTR stations do seem to have less efficient bus interchanges and projects such as moving the Bus/Ferry interchange at TST, the complete lack of inter-district bus lanes etc show road based mass transport is low on the current administrations priority list.

Having trains top is no problem but surely buses not cars should be 2nd?

Tamar Government offices - Prime location on the waterfront - but really it is so they can rip down old offices and sell them for another shopping mall/office

HSR - No one can make the figures add up, pro integration and pro train groups only ones in favour

Longest bridge to MAcau - the cheaper and probably better option would be a bridge from Zongshan area to Bo'an

Stonecutters Bridge - being used at approx 20% of expected usage in 2011 -

Eastern corridor to Shenzhen - just another integration project that may / may not be needed - but probably is?

There goes the repetition alarm.

Here is the summary of Longershanks´ repetitions.
-The bus operators are private firms. It is so strange that he is so opposed to the government subsidsizing the MTR with "shopping malls" when he loves the idea of the private bus firms having dedicated bus lanes from the government with taxpayers´ money.
-Take the roads away from the cars though there will be cars no matter what the policies are.
-He detests property developments though Hong Kong needs more premium office space.
-He is strongly against integration at the expense of Hong Kong not reaping the rewards of the immense economic growth in the mainland.

Longershanks

February 4th, 2011, 08:51 AM

-The bus operators are private firms. It is so strange that Longershanks are so opposed to the government subsidsizing the MTR with "shopping malls" when he loves the idea of the private bus firms having dedicated bus lanes from the government with taxpayers´ money.

A trend in the last 20 years in other countries has been to optimise public roads to reduce the average persons journey time. Unfortunately HK TD seems to think increasing road capacity is the only solution to reducing the average journey time.

Giving bus passengers priority to public roads is not a bad concept surely?

aab7772003

February 4th, 2011, 07:18 PM

A trend in the last 20 years in other countries has been to optimise public roads to reduce the average persons journey time. Unfortunately HK TD seems to think increasing road capacity is the only solution to reducing the average journey time.

Giving bus passengers priority to public roads is not a bad concept surely?

Sources of the OTHER countries claim? Your love sources but you yourself often make claims without sources. It is not really about Hong Kong Vs. the rest of the world. Different countries have distinctly different policies.

gladisimo

February 4th, 2011, 11:05 PM

Tamar Government offices - Prime location on the waterfront - but really it is so they can rip down old offices and sell them for another shopping mall/office

Agree, they shouldn't have filled the land in in the first place, seemed an excuse to me to fill up the rest of the sea between Causeway Bay and Central Piers. The design really gives it away in terms of its similarity to the CCTV HQ.

HSR - No one can make the figures add up, pro integration and pro train groups only ones in favour

Longest bridge to MAcau - the cheaper and probably better option would be a bridge from Zongshan area to Bo'an

Agree for the HSR, eventually there will be a need for an HSR project in HK, but I believe it's at least a decade early, and not thoroughly thought out as the majority of users will be for commuters between the mainland and HK.

Bridge, certainly cheaper ways to construct it, or not construct it at all, but I think the underlying demand is there, so the project itself is not unsubstantiated. Agree with the national pride aspect.

Stonecutters Bridge - being used at approx 20% of expected usage in 2011 -

Eastern corridor to Shenzhen - just another integration project that may / may not be needed - but probably is?

Stonecutters, disagree, it provides a secondary corridor, and the government's effort at trying to smooth out traffic. It may not be a major success, but we've seen that from the Eastern and Western Harbour Crossings as well.

Corridor to Shenzhen, extraneous, I don't believe in the need to be building 5-6 links to the mainland in such a short period of time.

On the argument that HK's infrastructure has moved from a demand driven to an anticipation/government appeasement driven model, especially with the links between the mainland and HK, I agree, but with MTR being solely driven by property markets is not always true.

I have to say you're quite rational when it comes to discussions not involving buses, but why the obsession with buses?

gladisimo

February 4th, 2011, 11:18 PM

Sources of the OTHER countries claim? Your love sources but you yourself often make claims without sources. It is not really about Hong Kong Vs. the rest of the world. Different countries have distinctly different policies.

A trend in the last 20 years in other countries has been to optimise public roads to reduce the average persons journey time. Unfortunately HK TD seems to think increasing road capacity is the only solution to reducing the average journey time.

Giving bus passengers priority to public roads is not a bad concept surely?

Not to mention different needs, HK's transportation infrastructure is vastly different from most major cities in the world, if not unique.

There goes the repetition alarm.

Here is the summary of Longershanks´ repetitions.
-The bus operators are private firms. It is so strange that he is so opposed to the government subsidsizing the MTR with "shopping malls" when he loves the idea of the private bus firms having dedicated bus lanes from the government with taxpayers´ money.
-Take the roads away from the cars though there will be cars no matter what the policies are.
-He detests property developments though Hong Kong needs more premium office space.
-He is strongly against integration at the expense of Hong Kong not reaping the rewards of the immense economic growth in the mainland.

- Perhaps a balance needs to be struck, property development and government policies are in dire need of work in HK imo, I'm tired of MTR developing giant, monotonous estates. The concept is good, but execution lacking.
- Well in longershanks world, there would be a 1000% importation tax for all private vehicles. That would surely take away a fair number of cars, but borders on totalitarianism. It hasn't been stressed enough the proportion of journeys in HK that are made on public transportation already.

Just a few weeks ago there was an accident on Nathan road that brought traffic to a total standstill, and guess what? the road was full of nothing but a wall of buses.
- HK needs more office space, but residential properties are really just used as tools of investment, unless something drastic is done, HK will continue to go through property bubbles. This goes in hand with the government's development and building codes.
- Integration will eventually be needed, but I believe premature for the number of projects that are under development, and some changes in priority is needed, though one can argue that China changes so quickly that its difficult to anticipate demand, I believe its better to have fewer saturated corridors than numerous ones that sit unused.

Longershanks

February 5th, 2011, 03:35 AM

When should bus passengers get a priority access to public roads (http://eprints.qut.edu.au/2492/)

Longershanks

February 5th, 2011, 03:53 AM

Well in longershanks world, there would be a 1000% importation tax for all private vehicles.

- No just a a need to better share true cost of road building costs including lost opportunity costs. Free access to all roads at all times seems a strange policy for such a dense city

Just a few weeks ago there was an accident on Nathan road that brought traffic to a total standstill, and guess what? the road was full of nothing but a wall of buses.

Isn't there another reason for this? Other vehicles can change their route to avoid the road blockage. Franchised buses are on fixed routes so must sit there until the road clears.

- Integration will eventually be needed, but I believe premature for the number of projects that are under development, and some changes in priority is needed, though one can argue that China changes so quickly that its difficult to anticipate demand, I believe its better to have fewer saturated corridors than numerous ones that sit unused.
This is very difficult to call - Central Government must obviously want integration but who should pay for it. Given HK has made all its money from China perhaps it is fair HK pays the lions share but projects where cost do not seem an issue seems irresponsible with public money

aab7772003

February 5th, 2011, 03:53 AM

When should bus passengers get a priority access to public roads (http://eprints.qut.edu.au/2492/)

There are all sorts of academic papers out there commissioned to suit certain views, including claims on no human beings are born homosexuals.

The paper is pure theory, no better than Hong Kong government´s transport forecasts.

A trend in the last 20 years in other countries has been to optimise public roads to reduce the average persons journey time. Unfortunately HK TD seems to think increasing road capacity is the only solution to reducing the average journey time.

Giving bus passengers priority to public roads is not a bad concept surely?

Sources of the OTHER countries claim? Your love sources but you yourself often make claims without sources. It is not really about Hong Kong Vs. the rest of the world. Different countries have distinctly different policies.

"Sources of the OTHER countries claim?"

The question has not been answered; the infamous Longershanks naturally knows the question is referring to what other countries are actually doing.

Longershanks

February 5th, 2011, 11:56 AM

www.iges.or.jp/en/ue/pdf/activity03/BAQ_IGES_Ma.pdf

There are many papers discussing more rather than fewer bus lane systems, most cities see an increase in bus priority schemes not a reduction. If you can find evidence that there has been a wholesale reduction in bus priority schemes please cite something.

Longershanks

February 5th, 2011, 12:00 PM

There are all sorts of academic papers out there commissioned to suit certain views, including claims on no human beings are born homosexuals.

The paper is pure theory, no better than Hong Kong government´s transport forecasts.

Normally it would be expected that a paper arguing the opposite opinion would be used to suggest the argument was week not something abstract that is not related to the discussion.

Suggesting that some academic papers are dubious and historically the TD's estimation of potential usage for capital intensive projects are wrong is NOT an argument against 'better' use of public roads.

Rachmaninov

February 6th, 2011, 09:55 AM

aab7772003

February 6th, 2011, 10:02 PM

Normally it would be expected that a paper arguing the opposite opinion would be used to suggest the argument was week not something abstract that is not related to the discussion.

Suggesting that some academic papers are dubious and historically the TD's estimation of potential usage for capital intensive projects are wrong is NOT an argument against 'better' use of public roads.

You sexually fantasize about buses, so you find all sorts of papers to back YOUR "bus is the best" claim. What you are doing is actually worse than the government forecasts based on the most optimal/optimistic scenarios.

Dedicated bus lanes are mostly used in cities without developed metro/subway systems. The road surfaces reserved for such hypothetical system in Hong Kong might just as well be used for lightrail.

You still have not come up with real-life, concrete examples of "a trend in the last 20 years in other countries has been to optimise public roads to reduce the average persons journey time."

lkiller123

February 6th, 2011, 10:02 PM

Not much to add here but I will bring up some points right here..
2. Put bus lanes all over the place (regardless whether there is enough road space for other vehicles? I think it depends on where you want them)

Nope, won't work unless you have a huge load of land space.
Also, other drivers will eventually start jumping into those so-called bus lanes when traffic gets congested, which will make it a big mess. Unless you build a dedicated bridge or some other utterly expensive solutions to prevent a misuse of "bus lanes", this won't be possible in Hong Kong.

3. Give people incentives to buy electric/hybrid cars by super low taxes and dedicated electric car lanes (uh, but where's the road space again?)
With all the public transportations options in Hong Kong, why even stress buying an electric vehicle if you are trying to save gas money? Just take the public transportations.

Also, with barely any market that the electric vehicles are capturing and the limit space Hong Kong has to provide, the dedicated electric car lane (or any other dedicated lane) won't happen in Hong Kong. Not even Carpool (or high occupancy vehicle lanes if you like) will work, those have already been proven as a flop in United States. Why bother?

lkiller123

February 6th, 2011, 10:07 PM

You sexually fantasize about buses, so you find all sorts of papers to back YOUR "bus in the best" claim. What you are doing is actually worse than the government forecasts based on the most optimal scenarios.

There is no need to insult others just to make a point...

Rachmaninov

February 7th, 2011, 06:14 AM

Not much to add here but I will bring up some points right here..

Nope, won't work unless you have a huge load of land space.
Also, other drivers will eventually start jumping into those so-called bus lanes when traffic gets congested, which will make it a big mess. Unless you build a dedicated bridge or some other utterly expensive solutions to prevent a misuse of "bus lanes", this won't be possible in Hong Kong.

With all the public transportations options in Hong Kong, why even stress buying an electric vehicle if you are trying to save gas money? Just take the public transportations.

Also, with barely any market that the electric vehicles are capturing and the limit space Hong Kong has to provide, the dedicated electric car lane (or any other dedicated lane) won't happen in Hong Kong. Not even Carpool (or high occupancy vehicle lanes if you like) will work, those have already been proven as a flop in United States. Why bother?

Yeh we all know that, so I'd really like to make sure I didn't misunderstand what Longershanks wants because these things don't always make much sense to us. Let's see how he responds...

RE bus lane enforcement you can always have cameras or a 150mm kerb to separate the lanes like those in Brussels.

Kaitak747

February 7th, 2011, 07:22 AM

龍華線採港式管理

港鐵：仍需提醒排隊

【明報專訊】港鐵去年7月1日接管深圳地鐵4號線後，至今年年中管理的車站會由現時的5個增至15個，港鐵積極將香港的車站管理模式引入深圳，但港鐵不諱言內地人仍需時適應港式文明，港鐵（深圳）副總營運經理（車務）胡瑞華舉例說，職員需不時從旁提醒他們排隊。

龍華線（4號線）共分兩期，其中長4.5公里的第一期共設5個站，已於去年7月1日移交港鐵營運，沿線由福田口岸起至少年宮站，而長16公里的第二期則設有10個車站，由港鐵全資擁有的港鐵軌道交通（深圳）有限公司出資，以「建設、營運、轉移」的模式興建，並由深圳市政府補貼，預計今年6月完工通車，日後由福田口岸站至終站清湖站只需33分鐘。

4號線第二期的核心車站，是耗資43億元人民幣的深圳北站，港鐵財務及業務拓展總監梁國權稱，車站是廣深港高鐵、廈深客運專線的客運樞紐站，同時是地鐵龍華線、環中線、光明線以及深莞城際線的車站，日後由高鐵西九站直上深圳北站只需16分鐘，至於羅寶線亦會於年中開通機場東站。

西九高鐵站上深圳只需16分鐘

少年宮站為港人愛到的熱點書城所在，港鐵（深圳）總經理劉天成指出，已為車站引入港式元素，不論是車站設計、指示牌、員工制服，以至廣播系統的女聲，也令港人有熟悉的親切感，稍後亦會引入全新車廂，務求令港人感受不到兩者區別。

不過，港鐵（深圳）副總營運經理（車務）胡瑞華不諱言，內地人仍需時適應港式文明，如職員需不時從旁提醒他們排隊，記者上周二下午在少年宮站現場所見，車站人流較疏落，當地人未受排隊考驗。

目前港鐵正進行光明線（6號）的前期工作，並會向市政府提交沿線土地規劃建議，期望未來可把本港的「鐵路+物業」模式套用至內地地鐵發展。

除了總投資達60億元人民幣的深圳線外，港鐵版圖亦逐步擴展至北京和杭州，其中港鐵與內地合作伙伴已率先與北京市政府簽訂4號線的特許經營協議，由政府出資建構隧道、車站，港鐵方面則負責車廂、信號系統等。鐵路09年開通，現為市內最長的地鐵，全長50公里。

Kaitak747

February 7th, 2011, 07:49 AM

荃屯沿海鐵路納入規劃

屯門至荃灣有望興建沿海海景鐵路線。兩區區議會委託顧問研究後，確定荃屯鐵路有助推動區域經濟及土地發展，並可形成深井、黃金海岸及三聖灣的悠閒旅遊走廊。港府已將荃屯鐵路納入《鐵路發展策略２０００》的檢討項目，意味此構思有望成為未來的規劃項目之一，建成之日能將港九新界鐵路系統連成一圈，市民日後或可乘鐵路往深井歎燒鵝。

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20110207/photo/0207-00176-008b6.jpg?t=1297057600966
http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20110207/photo/0207-00176-008b1.jpg?t=1297057657970

荃灣及屯門區議會去年合資六十萬元，委託顧問研究連接荃灣至屯門的鐵路線。經研究區內土地用途、經濟發展、人口及就業預測、客流預測等，提出三個可行路線方案，建議採用中運量鐵路系統，而屯門區議會傾向採納共有八個車站的走線。

建議屯門設兩車站
屯門區議員陳雲生指出，建議走線呈Ｙ字形，由西鐵線荃灣西站作起點，經灣景、深井東、青龍頭、掃管笏，於三聖站向北可往屯門中（即現時西鐵屯門總站）、向南則往屯門西（即龍門居對開）。由於前兩個方案只可選屯門中或屯門西設站，未能滿足居民需求，故此區議會傾向在屯門設兩個車站的方案。

研究報告指出，目前新界西北至港島的鐵路連接不方便，若興建荃屯鐵路並與日後的沙中線過海段配合，將可消除現時「堀頭路」的缺陷，組成環迴鐵路的形態。報告又指，青山公路由荃灣至屯門的走廊，沿路天然風景優美，而且有美食、娛樂甚至歷史文物，如馳名的深井燒鵝、龍圃、黃金海岸、青山禪院等，鐵路發展可具備遊覽觀光的條件，強化本港國際旅遊都市的形象。

西鐵兜路費時失事
運輸及房屋局發言人指出，當局將全面檢討未來鐵路網的規劃，包括屯門至荃灣的沿海鐵路線。發言人謂，整個研究需時廿四個月，會要求顧問分階段提交中期報告，確保可就急切、規劃年期較長的項目盡早諮詢公眾。

陳雲生指出，現有的西鐵線先繞經元朗、天水圍一帶才到達屯門，費時失事且車費高昂，因此一直爭取興建荃屯鐵路，希望改善區內交通。「今次區議會出豉油，難得港府肯出雞，將荃屯鐵路納入用四千三百萬元進行嘅鐵路發展檢討之中，起碼大家有個希望！」

hkskyline

February 7th, 2011, 09:23 AM

How long will the trip take? Wonder if it'll be faster than looping around on West Rail?

deasine

February 7th, 2011, 09:46 AM

It definitely be an interesting route. More importantly, I'm wondering about ridership forecasts, whether or not there is enough demand to warrant the investment on permanent rail infrastructure.

Rachmaninov

February 7th, 2011, 11:07 AM

Interesting... Why don't they just skip most of the stations in between to further minimise journey times?

Longershanks

February 7th, 2011, 01:05 PM

Interesting... Why don't they just skip most of the stations in between to further minimise journey times?

Why don't they do this for the East Rail line also?

Perhaps at peak times 1st stop at Shatin followed by Kowloon Tong and Hong Hum

Rachmaninov

February 7th, 2011, 05:22 PM

Why don't they do this for the East Rail line also?

Perhaps at peak times 1st stop at Shatin followed by Kowloon Tong and Hong Hum

Hey you! Can you please respond to my post no.205?

Blackraven

February 7th, 2011, 06:36 PM

荃屯沿海鐵路納入規劃

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20110207/photo/0207-00176-008b6.jpg?t=1297057600966
http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20110207/photo/0207-00176-008b1.jpg?t=1297057657970

^^^
What's this? A new Light Rail train line/service?

gakei

February 8th, 2011, 07:04 AM

Why don't they do this for the East Rail line also?

Perhaps at peak times 1st stop at Shatin followed by Kowloon Tong and Hong Hum

No East Rail Line train service at Tai Wai during peak times?

Longershanks

February 8th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Nope, won't work unless you have a huge load of land space.

Can you explain why HK is different to other dense urban cities? Surely the only real difference is HK has a much higher usage of buses

If Nathan Roads access was restricted by adopting more people friendly bus priority schemes then perhaps some of the excess capacity on the West Kowloon Corridor might be used as drivers would need to take a slightly longer route. Taking away road capacity from a few privileged car owners is possible but not palatable.

The TD has no rules for the implementation of bus lanes this should be the 1st step.

aab7772003

February 9th, 2011, 12:34 AM

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 01:29 AM

No East Rail Line train service at Tai Wai during peak times?

Probably Tai-Wai, but it would depend on rider-ship. Don't most people for Ma On Shan area grab a minibus from University?

gakei

February 9th, 2011, 02:01 AM

Probably Tai-Wai, but it would depend on rider-ship. Don't most people for Ma On Shan area grab a minibus from University?

Please double check yourself if this happens in your dreams or in the real world.

lkiller123

February 9th, 2011, 02:50 AM

Can you explain why HK is different to other dense urban cities? Surely the only real difference is HK has a much higher usage of buses

If Nathan Roads access was restricted by adopting more people friendly bus priority schemes then perhaps some of the excess capacity on the West Kowloon Corridor might be used as drivers would need to take a slightly longer route. Taking away road capacity from a few privileged car owners is possible but not palatable.

The TD has no rules for the implementation of bus lanes this should be the 1st step.

No, I am not saying that HK is difference from other dense urban cities. Bus lanes are not put right in the middle of the urban districts, but rather the roads that lead to the downtowns.

Okay, I will take Nathan Road as an example with you. There are only three lanes for each direction on the Nathan Road. If you put one bus lane on there, that makes two lanes for regular traffic, and only one lane for bus traffic. Keep in mind that the leftmost lane is technically the "bus lane" since most of the lane is occupied by stopping buses.

It simply won't work. There are too much buses for one lane to take; once a bus stops, and others will be forced to stop behind that bus, causing a domino effect. Unless you give out two lanes for the buses and only one lane for regular traffic (regular traffic congests, chaos), the idea of giving out bus lanes won't work on the Nathan Road.

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 02:53 AM

I guess nobody here is saying that buses are BAD. It's just that your suggestions for what, bus lanes along the entire Hennessy Road, Nathan Road, etc (?) seem a bit extreme, as is your HOT lane suggestion for CHT plus this dedicated electric car lane...

May I invite you to give us a coherent argument of the transport model that you most aspire for? I may have misunderstood you but so far my impression is that you want:

1. MTRs with no housing estates on top and no shops within stations (even though you do admit that this model works well...??)

2. Put bus lanes all over the place (regardless whether there is enough road space for other vehicles? I think it depends on where you want them)

3. Give people incentives to buy electric/hybrid cars by super low taxes and dedicated electric car lanes (uh, but where's the road space again?)

4. Implement road-pricing schemes (fair enough in certain areas)

5. Tramway parallel to Nathan Road (we'll see... I don't know)

6. Build only if it's "worth" building, in economic terms including opportunity costs etc (but how can you measure those benefits or lost benefits? does that mean you shouldn't build museums because you cannot be sure of the benefits?)

7. A pro-public-transport instead of a pro-MTR only policy (agree, but I don't see TD being more pro-car than pro-bus)

8. Better interchanges for different modes (theoretically yes, but how and where?)

I would like to hear something more solid, not statements like "I want this to be 'better'."

I will try to answer your points 1 by 1

1) MTRc building huge housing developments above stations is sensible as it puts people right on the track. Sometimes the execution is a little Orwellian but overall a very sensible way to raise money for rail projects - easier to print Land than Money

2) Bus priority schemes should be used to reduce average journey times for commuters and to encourage people to switch from cars to buses. Taking away rights for anything let alone the freedom to use a road is difficult. More bus lanes would mean driving a car is less beneficial. (I own and use a car and it always seems strange that I can pass bus load after bus load of passengers as they sit and have to give way to me on my own in my car). Possibly because the Government has conditioned HK to think buses are bad and trains are good, rather than buses are better than cars but not as good as trains.

3) Environmentally friendly cars. The fastest growing category for car purchases is above 3.5L. Electric cars are great but not viable at the moment due to cost, and the current tax rebate scheme for environmentally friendly cars gives more money back for more polluting cars. In real terms car ownership is less expensive than it was and for many cost is not the issue. Schemes that give priority to very low emission vehicles may have a better effect than just tax. But a carrot and stick approach should be used to get people to switch to small city cars - which are ideal for HK!.

4) Road Pricing - This could be done simply and quickly with all Government owned tolled tunnels and bridges unfortunately it would appear the TD have settled on cordon pricing scheme that as London shows significantly reduces overall traffic but has limited effect on peak time traffic. Cordon pricing is more of a tax raising scheme than say Singapore's ERP which focuses on congestion. It also believes that an alternative 'by-pass' route must be available for a scheme to work otherwise people may not drive.

5) Surface based trams - Extensions could be made on Hong Kong Island with loops to the piers and the new new waterfront. A tram running parallel to Nathan road in TST may be a 'cool' tourist attraction and revitalise some streets.

6) Build based on sound economic principles - YES, such things as Museums etc can be justified on visitor numbers etc. It is the almost obscene numbers being used for vanity projects like the HSR that has upset the public.

7) Pro-transport not just pro-MTR. This is a tough one for the TD, they make there money building houses and spend it building roads and rail. Car numbers are groing fast with lots of new roads and all premium housing developments now have car parking spaces. No new bus licences or bus priority schemes since the 1990's. If KMB start muttering they may not renew the franchise (which unsubstantiated rumours suggest they have) then action will need to be taken to make bus travel a better business to operate. Perhaps the MTRc should be split up so the train operating businesses operate COMPLETELY separately from the shopping / housing business. Funding can still be from 'printing land' but real cash is given to build train network rather than the 'off-the government books' process at the moment.

8) Better interchanges - Is developer revenue is more beneficial to society than efficient interchanges. Although many people have argued at length that it is not possible to put have a bus, taxi, MTR & PLB interchange it surely is. Transport efficiency should be put ahead of developer needs on Government projects.

9) Parking - Roadside parking in urban areas should not be free or subsidised. Parking meter revenue and management should be franchised off and currently free roadside spots where sensible should be turned into metered spaces. Giving free parking on Wellington Street in the heart of Central is amazing and surely just shows that the TD has too much cash.

Overall HK has a fantastic transport system but does suffer from some poor policy decisions such as deciding to not tackle roadside pollution or manage congestion.

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 03:07 AM

No, I am not saying that HK is difference from other dense urban cities. Bus lanes are not put right in the middle of the urban districts, but rather the roads that lead to the downtowns.

Okay, I will take Nathan Road as an example with you. There are only three lanes for each direction on the Nathan Road. If you put one bus lane on there, that makes two lanes for regular traffic, and only one lane for bus traffic. Keep in mind that the leftmost lane is technically the "bus lane" since most of the lane is occupied by stopping buses.

It simply won't work. There are too much buses for one lane to take; once a bus stops, and others will be forced to stop behind that bus, causing a domino effect. Unless you give out two lanes for the buses and only one lane for regular traffic (regular traffic congests, chaos), the idea of giving out bus lanes won't work on the Nathan Road.

Leaving one lane for motorists at peak times is better than say Oxford street in London where the entire street is bus only. As you suggest it is possible but the additional delays for a few privileged motorised is not palatable.

Imagine having to drive a few extra blocks because the main stretch of Nathan road was bus only at peak times. You would either leave a few minutes earlier or take public transport - so yes not palatable.

lkiller123

February 9th, 2011, 06:57 AM

Leaving one lane for motorists at peak times is better than say Oxford street in London where the entire street is bus only. As you suggest it is possible but the additional delays for a few privileged motorised is not palatable.

Imagine having to drive a few extra blocks because the main stretch of Nathan road was bus only at peak times. You would either leave a few minutes earlier or take public transport - so yes not palatable.

It will be hard to implement bus lanes at certain times, you either make them permanent or leave it alone.

If you drive out all the cars from Nathan Road, there will be lots of inconvenience to the others as well. Cars will roam into the smaller streets, and traffic will be congested all over the place. That defeat the whole purpose of the bus lane.

What about Taxi drivers and delivery trucks who needs access to Nathan Road?

With the amount of buses in Hong Kong (more than anywhere else in the world), you will need extreme high-quality road surface to handle the weight from the buses; it will be pretty hard to engineer roads for a bus lane.

On expressways such as the 東區走廊, there might be a possibility that a bus lane can be implemented, but for roads with lots of bus stops like the Nathan Road, it is a no go.

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 10:25 AM

It will be hard to implement bus lanes at certain times, you either make them permanent or leave it alone.

Variable time bus lanes are well accepted in HK and other parts of the world.

If you drive out all the cars from Nathan Road, there will be lots of inconvenience to the others as well. Cars will roam into the smaller streets, and traffic will be congested all over the place. That defeat the whole purpose of the bus lane.

Side streets are already saturated with slow moving traffic. What do you think the purpose of the bus lane is?

What about Taxi drivers and delivery trucks who needs access to Nathan Road?

They can deliver out of peak hours - why should a non-essential delivery be taking place at peak periods? Also Taxis with 3-4 passengers could be allowed to use bus lanes.

With the amount of buses in Hong Kong (more than anywhere else in the world), you will need extreme high-quality road surface to handle the weight from the buses; it will be pretty hard to engineer roads for a bus lane.

Banning other vehicles from busy roads at peak periods will surely result in less not more wear. The roads are designed for buses now.

On expressways such as the 東區走廊, there might be a possibility that a bus lane can be implemented

Absolutely all the way from EHT to WHT.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4388074364_20bd2214ab.jpg

deasine

February 9th, 2011, 10:42 AM

I still think you are over simplifying the entire idea, and the logistics behind it. Bus-only lanes work very well if implemented properly. Ideally, bus lanes should be in the centre of the road (or as it's own road off to the left or right side of the main road like Los Angeles).

I can tell you know that bus lanes on the curbside do not work for sure: statistics from the City of Vancouver for the Broadway corridor, which is some ways quite similar to Nathan Road (3 lanes per direction, left turn bays (keep in mind, Vancouver, you drive on the right side) at major corridors and some streets), have peak hour bus lanes implemented on the curbside, but these curbside lanes have only shaved maximum 4 minutes off the entire trip time for express buses, and maximum 2 minutes for local buses and trolleys. Why? The problem is because of vehicles having to pull into the curb lane to turn right when nearing intersections, as well as express buses having to merge back into regular traffic to pass local buses.

But if you put your bus lanes in the centre of the road, then all of a sudden, you would need a lot more space on the road. In addition to left turn bays (well, right turn bays in Hong Kong), you would also need space for your bus stops. This is a problem for roads with limited space such as Nathan Road. Something needs to give: another traffic lane, or pedestrian sidewalk space.

Anyways, like many others have said before me, I would be more interested in seeing a detailed outline and proposal, possibly renderings, maps, and descriptions of your plan Longershanks.

Probably best to do that in a new or existing thread. We are getting off topic here.

Rachmaninov

February 9th, 2011, 12:05 PM

1) MTRc building huge housing developments above stations is sensible as it puts people right on the track. Sometimes the execution is a little Orwellian but overall a very sensible way to raise money for rail projects - easier to print Land than Money

Thank you.

2) Bus priority schemes should be used to reduce average journey times for commuters and to encourage people to switch from cars to buses. Taking away rights for anything let alone the freedom to use a road is difficult. More bus lanes would mean driving a car is less beneficial. (I own and use a car and it always seems strange that I can pass bus load after bus load of passengers as they sit and have to give way to me on my own in my car). Possibly because the Government has conditioned HK to think buses are bad and trains are good, rather than buses are better than cars but not as good as trains.

Agreed, except your last point about the government not believing "buses better than cars".

3) Environmentally friendly cars. The fastest growing category for car purchases is above 3.5L. Electric cars are great but not viable at the moment due to cost, and the current tax rebate scheme for environmentally friendly cars gives more money back for more polluting cars. In real terms car ownership is less expensive than it was and for many cost is not the issue. Schemes that give priority to very low emission vehicles may have a better effect than just tax. But a carrot and stick approach should be used to get people to switch to small city cars - which are ideal for HK!

I agree that small city cars are more ideal than large 3.5L+ cars in HK. Difficult to implement though due to rich people's aspirations and also there's a possibility that prioritizing low emission vehicles means more incentive for road vehicles and there could be a mode switch from e.g. MTR.

4) Road Pricing - This could be done simply and quickly with all Government owned tolled tunnels and bridges unfortunately it would appear the TD have settled on cordon pricing scheme that as London shows significantly reduces overall traffic but has limited effect on peak time traffic. Cordon pricing is more of a tax raising scheme than say Singapore's ERP which focuses on congestion. It also believes that an alternative 'by-pass' route must be available for a scheme to work otherwise people may not drive.

Tolled tunnels/bridges is very different to cordon road pricing scheme in the sense that the latter targets specific congested areas. Transport econ module 1.1 should have shown you that governments should make all tunnels/bridges free unless there are nearby alternative routes in order to minimise the total cost (including social cost).

5) Surface based trams - Extensions could be made on Hong Kong Island with loops to the piers and the new new waterfront. A tram running parallel to Nathan road in TST may be a 'cool' tourist attraction and revitalise some streets.

Possible for tram parallel to Nathan Road. We need a feasibility study.

6) Build based on sound economic principles - YES, such things as Museums etc can be justified on visitor numbers etc. It is the almost obscene numbers being used for vanity projects like the HSR that has upset the public.

How do you really measure the true benefits/costs of integrating better with mainland China though?

7) Pro-transport not just pro-MTR. This is a tough one for the TD, they make there money building houses and spend it building roads and rail. Car numbers are groing fast with lots of new roads and all premium housing developments now have car parking spaces. No new bus licences or bus priority schemes since the 1990's. If KMB start muttering they may not renew the franchise (which unsubstantiated rumours suggest they have) then action will need to be taken to make bus travel a better business to operate. Perhaps the MTRc should be split up so the train operating businesses operate COMPLETELY separately from the shopping / housing business. Funding can still be from 'printing land' but real cash is given to build train network rather than the 'off-the government books' process at the moment.

Really, don't everybody expect any premium housing estate in the world to have parking spaces? What is the no. of parking spaces available to the average household anyway? On the other hand, there aren't many places that isn't within a bus/minibus/MTR coverage.

8) Better interchanges - Is developer revenue is more beneficial to society than efficient interchanges. Although many people have argued at length that it is not possible to put have a bus, taxi, MTR & PLB interchange it surely is. Transport efficiency should be put ahead of developer needs on Government projects.

In theory yes, but I suppose in a free capitalist environment one cannot fully disregard developer revenue. You will have to accept certain limitations.

9) Parking - Roadside parking in urban areas should not be free or subsidised. Parking meter revenue and management should be franchised off and currently free roadside spots where sensible should be turned into metered spaces. Giving free parking on Wellington Street in the heart of Central is amazing and surely just shows that the TD has too much cash.

Yes sorry I forgot about this one. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=937060

Overall HK has a fantastic transport system but does suffer from some poor policy decisions such as deciding to not tackle roadside pollution or manage congestion.

I might change your wording and say that HK does suffer from some poor policy decisions such as not putting congestion maganement and roadside pollution as top priorities.

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 12:58 PM

shaved maximum 4 minutes off the entire trip time for express buses, and maximum 2 minutes for local buses and trolleys.

So what was the annualised saving for passengers, could passenger growth on the corridor been achieved without bus priority schemes?

Isn't it approx 33 hours per person per year? How many people travel on buses on the route? An extra French working week of time given to customers every year seems OK for a system deemed a failure.

What was the reduction in emissions?

Of course Light Rail or Subway can shift more people without taking away politically sensitive road space for car users but spending the public's money on dubious rail schemes is Europe's speciality according to http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/24872/1/MPRA_paper_24872.pdf

Rachmaninov

February 9th, 2011, 03:42 PM

So what was the annualised saving for passengers?

Isn't it approx 33 hours per person per year? How many people travel on buses on the route? An extra French working week of time given to customers every year seems OK for a system deemed a failure.

What was the reduction in emissions?

Of course Light Rail or Subway can shift more people without taking away politically sensitive road space for car users but spending the public's money on dubious rail schemes is Europe's speciality according to http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/24872/1/MPRA_paper_24872.pdf

From my experiences in London, we never achieved a journey time saving of 2 minutes unless we're talking about adding a contraflow bus lane that shortens the bus journey, which on Nathan Road you cannot do that.

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 04:22 PM

Rachmaninov

February 9th, 2011, 04:37 PM

London has a well developed bus priority scheme. The London Bus Initiative on the early noughties saw a 22% increase in bus patronage (http://klnportal.kln.gov.my/klnvideo/2010/transformasi/video/documents/GTP%20Roadmap/GTP%20Roadmap_Chapter11.pdf).

You have to think what London buses would be like with a similar ratio of bus priority schemes to buses that HK has.

As someone posted yesterday a bus lane on the Eastern corridor on HKI could be very effective. Having sat in congestion for over 10 mins in the past it could be significantly better.

Yeh they started with a low starting point so 22% increase is really expected... You have to understand how fundamentally the transport system is different between HK and London!!!

Anyway let's talk about these stuff in another thread coz this is MTR we're supposed to be talking. Sorry for digressing!

Longershanks

February 9th, 2011, 04:59 PM

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/1/27/central/7847591&sec=central

EricIsHim

February 9th, 2011, 07:14 PM

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20110207/photo/0207-00176-008b6.jpg?t=1297057600966

This Tuen Mun - Tsuen Wan extension is finally back on the table.
I remember this was talked about when LRT was planned, but didn't get thorough because of its constructibility within a reasonable cost, ended up the system just stops in Tuen Mun without going out to the city centre.

How long will the trip take? Wonder if it'll be faster than looping around on West Rail?

LRT can probably go at 80-100 km/h on the flat and straight segments.
Compare to the 60-70km/h buses on Tuen Mun Road which takes about 12-15 minutes to go from Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan; the LRT will certainly be quicker. and I think this will also be faster than the West Rail depends on where in Tuen Mun you are. The West Rail takes 5 minutes to go from Tsuen Wan (West) to Kam Sheung Road, plus a few extra between Kam Sheung Road and Tuen Mun Town Centre. So if you live in Tuen Mun south of the Town Centre, this LRT is probably quicker.

However, the key of this LRT is more likely to serve the getting more populated Castle Peak Road corridor between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun which is currently served by limited franchised bus service, private housing complex shuttles to Tsuen Wan (MTR) station, or the red minibus. Because of the relatively poor public transport service in this area, a lot of residents choose to drive and putting stress on the already congested Tuen Mun Road, and Castle Peak Road. If this LRT were built, this should take away some of the traffic stress along the two corridors.

Rachmaninov

February 9th, 2011, 07:59 PM

Allow me to predict Longershanks's response to the LRT:

"LRT at 80km-100km not any faster than buses with bus priority scheme. Another of TD's concrete pouring vanity project. Why not run a BRT?"

spicytimothy

February 9th, 2011, 11:04 PM

Wouldn't that new Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun route divert nearly all ridership from the existing West Line? How are they gonna keep the existing line financially viable??

Longershanks

February 10th, 2011, 02:16 AM

Allow me to predict Longershanks's response to the LRT:

"LRT at 80km-100km not any faster than buses with bus priority scheme. Another of TD's concrete pouring vanity project. Why not run a BRT?"

It all depends how many flats will be built above each station. This is prime water facing land that could be developed much more.

It really looks more of a housing project than a light rail project.

aab7772003

February 10th, 2011, 03:54 AM

Variable time bus lanes are well accepted in HK and other parts of the world.

Bus fetishist who gets off from buses, WHICH other parts of the world EXACTLY?

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

lkiller123

February 10th, 2011, 05:11 AM

Variable time bus lanes are well accepted in HK and other parts of the world.

Please explain deeper onto this topic.

Side streets are already saturated with slow moving traffic. What do you think the purpose of the bus lane is?
Exactly. Slamming a bus lane in the middle of Nathan Road and kicking out private vehicles will worsen the situation. More vehicles will be pouring onto the side streets, congesting the traffic even further.

They can deliver out of peak hours - why should a non-essential delivery be taking place at peak periods?
What if those deliveries are essential? Bus lanes should be established onto roads that will simply "get you there"(highways), not important roads filled with shops and restaurants.

Also Taxis with 3-4 passengers could be allowed to use bus lanes.
Now you are talking about carpool/HOV lanes, which defeats the purpose of bus lanes.

Banning other vehicles from busy roads at peak periods will surely result in less not more wear. The roads are designed for buses now.

There will be tighter bus schedules once a dedicated bus lane is built, which means more buses will be roaming on the street.

Rachmaninov

February 10th, 2011, 06:18 AM

Variable time bus lanes are well accepted in HK and other parts of the world.
Please explain deeper onto this topic.

I believe Longershanks meant bus lanes at peak hours, e.g. Mon-Fri 7-10am, 4-7pm, instead of a 24-7 bus lane. Correct me if I were wrong!

What if those deliveries are essential? Bus lanes should be established onto roads that will simply "get you there"(highways), not important roads filled with shops and restaurants.

From my experience in London, as long as the bus lanes stay on the main road while deliveries can be made on side roads then it's not too much a problem. Most retails (e.g. jewelry shops on Nathan Road...) could arrange their deliveries out of peak hours.

There will be tighter bus schedules once a dedicated bus lane is built, which means more buses will be roaming on the street.

Roads are already designed to take a lot of bus traffic so this probably isn't a huge problem. The contractors only need to make sure they compact the ground well enough so there's no rutting.

The real problem with bus lanes on Nathan Road is that the current traffic pattern already suggests that the kerbside lane already functions as a quasi-bus lane.

-----------

Anyway back to the LRT thing.

It all depends how many flats will be built above each station. This is prime water facing land that could be developed much more.

It really looks more of a housing project than a light rail project.

If they are going for a light rail then I don't see how they can build loads of buildings on top of stations. You don't find loads of housing schemes directly above light rail stations do you?