Cross-Border Rail Travel Too Expensive?

[hkskyline]

Study urges MTR to review 'high' fares for trains running to border
4 August 2008
South China Morning Post

The MTR should review its "extraordinarily" high fares for trains to the border as a way to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, according to a Chinese University study on the two cities' relationship.

It said the one-way fare of HK$33 between Kowloon and Lo Wu prevented people travelling between the two places and made it difficult for many to use low-cost housing in Shenzhen. The MTR fare between Kowloon and Sheung Shui is only HK$8.

The study, conducted by Shen Jianfa at the university's department of geography and resource management, also suggested that both Hong Kong and mainland border-crossing procedures be carried out at Hong Kong terminals for the proposed high-speed rail service between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This could increase the flow of goods and people between the cities.

The report, presented at a conference organised by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Yangzhou on the cities' competitiveness, proposed suburban centres be built at the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

"This will significantly reduce the physical distance between core urban areas in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Many businesses, professionals and shopping services for mainland clients can be done in the boundary area," said Professor Shen.

The study, which explores whether the two cities are rivals or partners, found they co-operated in most areas, but competed in a few areas such as container ports.

{ final part of article removed as it relates to CT10 }