http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2184.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2177.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2187.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2189.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2194.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2195.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2196.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2197.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2204.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2206.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2212.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2213.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2217.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2222.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2224.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2220.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2227.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2230.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2241.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2237.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2247.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2251.jpg

Great photos. Mind telling me what part of HK this is in?

It looks brand new, I really want to know what kind of area this is.

West Rail connects Kowloon with the northwestern suburbs of Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, and Tuen Mun. Further expansion will eventually connect it with East Rail with a loop in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Looks more like Singapore's MRT rather than HK's MTR.

Looks more like Singapore's MRT rather than HK's MTR.

Is Singapore that modern? I don't know a lot of Singapore.

Dope!

That's the KCR extension isn't it? In which case ignore my previous comment.

CFCheng - yea those stations are a bit what Singapore's look like - MTR has a different feel to it - it's got the colour on the inside to identify each station along with the brick-like pattern.

Singapore's stations are more 'clinical' - like the ones above. Except they're HUGE! Not sure why...but they are - MTR stations (bar Central/TST) looks a mere dwarf in comparision.

WR opened late 2003 to connect the remote northwest New Territories to Kowloon. Interchange with MTR @ Mei Foo, Nam Cheong.

Northwest NT is mainly residential areas / new towns. The most recent ridership statistic says WR has 190,000 daily patronage, which should rise as the railway spurs more residential developments in the NT.

Trains are 7 car EMU and stations are expandable to 9-car trains. At the moment the two KCR railways are not connected, although the connections will be complete in several years.

So it is an MTR?

I'm flippin confused!

So it is an MTR?

I'm flippin confused!

what what what?
no it's KCR!

Is Singapore that modern? I don't know a lot of Singapore.

Hong Kong's West Rail, 1 of the city's newest lines, is comparable to Singapore's North East Line, the city's newest line in terms of station architecture.

Singapore's North East Line Station
http://img10.exs.cx/img10/6973/dsc000866lz.jpg
http://www.platformscreendoors.com/psd/images/articles/farrerpark.jpg

Hong Kong's West Rail Station, Photos Copyright Of hkskyline
http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2241.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2212.jpg

西鐵爆裂橋躉急修補
2010年08月21日(六)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/logo_tsn.png

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20100821/photo/0821-00407-036b1.jpg

【本報訊】通車僅六年的西鐵橋躉施工出現問題。西鐵鄰近元朗站的一座高架橋橋躉出現十多條裂紋及懷疑滲水，港鐵要即時派員修補。港鐵聲稱橋躉裂紋只是在石屎表面的批盪出現，並沒有影響高架橋的結構及行車安全。有工程師懷疑是施工時混凝土材料的比例不適當，令橋躉遇到熱脹冷縮時出現裂紋，一旦有水滲入將導致鋼筋生銹，可能影響橋樑結構。
滲水鋼筋銹蝕損結構

「爆裂橋躉」位於元朗朗業街與安樂路之間，即介乎西鐵線元朗站及朗屏站的中間位置。該段架空鐵路橋由多個T形橋躉支撐，其中一個橋躉近日突然出現十多條裂紋，港鐵遂派員檢查及維修。昨日所見，裂紋已全部填上修補物料，早上亦未見維修人員再出現。

港鐵發言人表示，數年前西鐵仍由九廣鐵路公司管理時，已發現橋躉有裂紋，並曾修補。最近港鐵再發現橋躉出現頭髮絲裂紋，相信是熱脹冷縮造成，而裂紋只是在石屎表面的批盪上出現，並沒有影響高架橋結構及行車安全。

理工大學機械工程學系工程師盧覺強則指出，石屎橋躉出現大量裂紋，可能是施工時混凝土的材料比例不適當，以致在熱脹冷縮影響下容易爆裂。如果裂紋擴大，水分有機會滲入鋼筋形成銹蝕，影響橋躉的承托力。不過，由於鐵路橋躉的安全系數相當高，即使有部分鋼筋生銹亦不容易發生崩塌。

LCQ11: West Rail Line of the MTR Corporation Limited
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (October 27):

Question:

It was reported a few months ago that cracks and water seepage were found in the bridge columns supporting the rail tracks of the West Rail Line of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), which had been commissioned for less than seven years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) MTRCL has conducted a comprehensive and detailed inspection of all the bridge columns for the West Rail viaducts to find out if they are of the same conditions described above; if it has, of the specific inspection results; if not, the reasons for that;

(b) it has assessed the causes for the cracks and water seepage found in those bridge columns, and whether the persistent recurrence of such conditions will affect the structure of these bridge columns; and

(c) it has used ultrasound or other high-tech tools to inspect the corrosion of steel bars in and the concrete density of those problematic bridge columns; if it has, of the results; if not, what methods were adopted by MTRCL for assessing the structural safety of bridge columns?

Reply:

President,

(a) and (b) The section of the West Rail Line between Tuen Mun and Nam Cheong Stations was constructed by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and commenced operation in December 2003. Following the Rail Merger, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) took over the operation and maintenance of the KCR railway network, including the West Rail Line.

The Buildings Department (BD) is responsible for the monitoring of the buildings and building works managed by the MTRCL, including the viaduct piers along the West Rail Line. MTRCL is required to regularly inspect and maintain its buildings and building works to ensure railway safety.

MTRCL maintains its facilities, systems and trains in accordance with an established maintenance management system. This system also applies to the maintenance of the facilities of the KCR network to ensure safe and smooth railway operation.

According to MTRCL, the corporation has been conducting regular structural inspections of the 409 viaduct piers of the West Rail Line. This includes visual inspection once a year and hammer tapping test once every five years to examine the quality of concrete and to check for any concrete spalling. BD accepts that these inspection methods are commonly adopted by the industry.

When BD became aware of the reports on the cracks at one of the viaduct piers located between Yuen Long and Long Ping Stations of the West Rail Line on August 20, 2010, BD immediately contacted MTRCL to find out about the situation. A joint site inspection with MTRCL was conducted on August 23, 2010. During the inspection, minor cracks were found at that viaduct pier but there was no safety problem on the overall structure.

According to MTRCL's records, KCRC had found minor cracks at 24 viaduct piers after the completion of the construction works of the West Rail Line in mid-2003. The consultancy firm which was responsible for the design and the independent consultancy firm which was responsible for scrutinising the design at that time had reviewed the design respectively and concluded that the minor cracks would not affect the overall structure. In 2005, KCRC appointed another independent consultancy firm to review the design of the 24 viaduct piers. The appointed consultancy firm recommended that strengthening works to one viaduct pier and suitable repair works for the remaining 23 should be carried out to ensure the durability of the viaduct piers. KCRC had followed the recommendations and completed the strengthening and repair works in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

(c) According to MTRCL, the above visual inspections and hammer tapping tests have been regularly conducted to examine the building structures of the West Rail Line (including the viaduct piers) and monitor the condition of the cracks. During the annual visual inspection of the structures of the viaducts of the West Rail Line in March 2010, out of the 409 viaduct piers, 16 were found to have minor surface cracks that would require repair. However, no water seepage was observed at the concerned viaduct piers. As these are minor surface cracks, there was no adverse impact on the overall structure of the viaduct piers. The concerned repair works were commenced in August 2010 and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011. MTRCL will continue to monitor the condition of the cracks to ensure railway safety.

MTRCL understands the public concern of the matter and has engaged an independent consultancy firm to conduct another detailed structural assessment of the condition of the cracks. The assessment report will be submitted to BD, which will determine whether any follow-up actions are required after examining the report.

Guess they forgot West Rail runs through a long and expensive tunnel into town.

LCQ6: MTR West Rail Line fares
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (March 16):

Question:

Some residents in Tin Shui Wai have relayed to me that at present, there is a big disparity in fares between MTR's domestic East Rail Line (ERL) and West Rail Line (WRL). For example, the travelling time from ERL's Sheung Shui Station to Hung Hom Station is about 38 minutes and the Octopus fare is $8.2 ($8.5 for a single journey ticket), whereas the travelling time from WRL's Tin Shui Wai Station to Hung Hom Station is about 31 minutes only, but the fare is $17.2 ($18.5 for a single journey ticket), which is more than twice of the ERL's. These residents consider that MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) has been unfair in determining the fares of the two rail lines and thus has directly increased the burden on the livelihood of residents in West New Territories. Besides, the elderly in Hong Kong may enjoy free rides on the Shenzhen Metro, which MTRCL has participated in its construction and operation, but they are not offered similar concession in Hong Kong. Regarding MTR's fare structure and the fare concessions it offers, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows if MTRCL has, in determining the WRL's fares, given detailed consideration to the great disparity in fares between the domestic ERL and WRL as well as the affordability of residents in the districts; if it has, of the details; if not, the criteria adopted by MTRCL for setting the fares;

(b) given that fares of the domestic ERL are lower because they are subsidised by revenues from the fares of the cross-boundary line to and from Lo Wu Station which are on the high side, whether the authorities will urge MTRCL to review if the present revenues from that cross-boundary line or the Lok Ma Chau cross-boundary line can be used to subsidise the WRL; and

(c) whether it will consider discussing with MTRCL again the conducting of a comprehensive review on its fare concession arrangements, actively encourage MTRCL to offer permanent free rides to the elderly and provide more fare concessions; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

(a) The West Rail Line (WRL) commenced operation in December 2003. Prior to commencement of operation, the pre-merger Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) briefed the Legislative Council, Transport Advisory Committee and District Councils along the West Rail alignment respectively on the principles for setting West Rail fares. These principles included:

(i) the West Rail fares had to be competitive enough for WRL to gain a foothold in the market;

(ii) to provide an alternative to Light Rail for travelling within the Northwest New Territories;

(iii) to fully take into account the public's acceptability and expectations; and

(iv) to achieve KCRC's long-term financial objectives.

The Light Rail and MTR bus interchange services are also provided for free for West Rail passengers.

Since the WRL commenced service, its patronage has gradually grown from the initial average daily passenger trips of 100,000 to over 300,000 currently (based on passengers' entry at stations). This demonstrates that the WRL has a certain level of competitiveness in the Northwest New Territories.

The Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) commenced operation in August 2009. KSL enhances Hong Kong's rail network by connecting the East Rail Line (ERL) and WRL, with Hung Hom Station being the termini of both lines. Commuting among Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories has become much more convenient. After the opening of KSL, passengers from Northwest New Territories will be able to reach Hung Hom directly and more expeditiously by railway without having to interchange with other modes of transport. Passengers of the ERL can also enjoy a more convenient service to the West Kowloon area.

Prior to the Rail Merger in December 2007, the ERL and WRL had their respective different fares. The pre-merger fares of the two railway lines formed the basis for the current fares of the two lines. On the day of the merger, MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) introduced fare reductions according to the following principles:

(i) abolition of second boarding charge ranging from $1 to $7;

(ii) global fare reduction of $0.2 for all Octopus card users paying full fares;

(iii) an extra $1 reduction for journeys charging $12 or above;

(iv) for all journeys charging $12 or above, if the three measures above when combined still result in less than a 10% reduction, there would be a further reduction to achieve a minimum of 10% reduction for all those journeys; and

(v) for all journeys charging between $8.5 and $11.9, if (i) and (ii) above when combined still result in less than a 5% reduction, there would be a further reduction to achieve a minimum of 5% reduction for all those journeys.

As such, the Octopus fares of the WRL from the Northwest New Territories to the urban area were reduced by $1.2. Together with the abolition of second boarding charge, a minimum of 10% fare reduction was achieved.

Based on the usage of public transport by residents of the Northwest New Territories, KCRC introduced the promotional schemes of "Monthly Pass" and "Day Pass" in 2004. MTRCL continued to maintain the arrangement after the merger, and introduced the "Tuen Mun-Hung Hom Monthly Pass" when the KSL was commissioned. For passengers who use WRL service frequently, they may purchase the "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Monthly Pass" at a price of $410 or the "Tuen Mun-Hung Hom Monthly Pass" at a price of $480. Passengers with the "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Monthly Pass" or "Tuen Mun-Hung Hom Monthly Pass" can make unlimited journeys on the WRL between Tuen Mun and Nam Cheong Stations or between Tuen Mun and Hung Hom Stations within a month. In addition, the Light Rail and MTR bus interchange services are provided for free for these passengers.

If a passenger does not use the WRL service frequently, he/she may also purchase the "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass" at a price of $21. Passengers with the "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass" can make unlimited journeys on the WRL between Tuen Mun and Nam Cheong Stations on the day of purchase, and enjoy free interchanges with the Light Rail and MTR bus. The "Tuen Mun- Nam Cheong Day Pass" will not be collected by the ticket gate after use. To encourage passengers to return the used "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass", ten used or expired "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Passes" can be exchanged for one free "Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass", which is valid on the day of redemption.

(b) At the Rail Merger, MTRCL reduced its fares according to the fare reduction package but the Corporation did not change the fare structures of its railway lines. After the Rail Merger, the fare adjustment of MTRCL (including that for the ERL and WRL) is decided on the basis of an objective and transparent fare adjustment mechanism.

According to MTRCL, all railway lines are operated as an integrated network after the Rail Merger and there is no arrangement to use the fare revenue of one railway line to subsidise another. MTRCL has been maintaining the fare promotions to WRL passengers including monthly passes and free interchange service with Light Rail, etc.

(c) At present, MTRCL provides various types of fare concessions and promotional schemes every year, including fare discounts of up to 50% off the normal fares for the elderly, children and students, as well as other promotions offered from time to time including free interchanges, free connections and fare savers. The aim is to encourage the public to use rail service and to actively participate in community activities.

MTRCL would review its various promotional schemes from time to time taking into account the market circumstances. The Government would continue to encourage MTRCL to provide various promotional schemes to the public having regard to its operational situation, the market circumstances and passenger demand.

Guess they forgot West Rail runs through a long and expensive tunnel into town.


Did he think the West Rail were a taix, which fare is partly time base?

It was a hell long answer for a simple question which fare is set by travel distance, nor travel time.

East Rail Line needs one of these things

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051017/IMG_2187.jpg

Did he think the West Rail were a taix, which fare is partly time base?

It was a hell long answer for a simple question which fare is set by travel distance, nor travel time.

Fares are set based on market value. Many years of near monopoly cross boundary services has left a legacy of around

$20 for one stop northbound
$3 for one stop southbound

for Sheung Shui residents

Fares are set based on market value. Many years of near monopoly cross boundary services has left a legacy of around

$20 for one stop northbound
$3 for one stop southbound

for Sheung Shui residents

What is the comparison all about?

The question was about commuter service between West Rail and East Rail, is the rail a monopoly along the two lines? No, the fare system now is mainly distance base.
This was talked about for quite in depth when the KCR and MTR merged together back in 2007, you may find the details somewhere in this forum in the archive.
It had nothing to do with the cross boundary service.

Fares are set based on market value. Many years of near monopoly cross boundary services has left a legacy of around

$20 for one stop northbound
$3 for one stop southbound

for Sheung Shui residents

There is no monopoly on cross-border services. Multiple companies run bus services to China from many points throughout the city. There are several boundary points beyond Lo Wu as well.

What is the comparison all about?


Fares are set at market rate. It really is that simple.

Fares are set at market rate. It really is that simple.

I agree Lohu is a monopoly service, but it's also twice the distance from Sheung Tsui versus going to Fanling. Both factors make it more expensive.

And don't forget we are talking about the commuter section of West Rail and East Rail, not the special cross boarder services.

I agree Lohu is a monopoly service, but it's also twice the distance from Sheung Tsui versus going to Fanling. Both factors make it more expensive.

And don't forget we are talking about the commuter section of West Rail and East Rail, not the special cross boarder services.

It is not a cross border service. It is a to the border service. MTR charges the highest fare it can get away with and isn't it TD policy to restrict competitor from buses on routes that have a MTR line (to help inflate fares)

It is not a cross border service. It is a to the border service. MTR charges the highest fare it can get away with and isn't it TD policy to restrict competitor from buses on routes that have a MTR line (to help inflate fares)

The higher fares to the border are meant to subsidize the commuter rail fares, which I think is a great way to keep regular fares low. After all, taking the train to Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau isn't so much a necessity service. Most people travel between Sheung Shui and the city anyway, and cheaper fares along that sector mean a lot more to the working class.

Actually, for longer distance travel, such as to Guangzhou, the MTR option is much ore expensive than taking a bus, and at least you get a seat on the bus!

The higher fares to the border are meant to subsidize the commuter rail fares, which I think is a great way to keep regular fares low. After all, taking the train to Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau isn't so much a necessity service.

Tell that to the people who commute every day. There are higher fares to the border because they had a near monopoly for years. Now buses generally offer a better service (except for the lack of bus depots) MTR to border prices will come down

Tell that to the people who commute every day. There are higher fares to the border because they had a near monopoly for years. Now buses generally offer a better service (except for the lack of bus depots) MTR to border prices will come down

No. Trains have never run a monopoly for border service. There have always been buses that charge less heading to points beyond Shenzhen.

No. Trains have never run a monopoly for border service. There have always been buses that charge less heading to points beyond Shenzhen.

'Near monopoly' in
1997 approx 75% of cross boundary journeys were by train and 10% by land crossing
2009 approx 60% of cross boundary journeys were by train and 30% by land crossing

Fares are set based on market value. Many years of near monopoly cross boundary services has left a legacy of around

$20 for one stop northbound
$3 for one stop southbound

for Sheung Shui residents

Thanks for telling us. What other irregularities have you found?

Thanks for telling us. What other irregularities have you found?

May be why the fare isn't proportional to the number of stations.
It one stop is $3, two stops should be $6 regardless of distance.

May be why the fare isn't proportional to the number of stations.
It one stop is $3, two stops should be $6 regardless of distance.

He'll pick up the Expo and Airport stops in the other thread ;)