PR042/20 16 June 2020

Brand-New Journey Experience for Airport Express Enhanced Passenger Service and More Flexible Connectivity

Airport Express (“AEL”) passengers are set for a brand-new experience as the MTR Corporation will roll out a series of service upgrades including self-service ticket machines, enhanced passenger waiting information and refurbished train seats in the third quarter of this year. Following changes in customer behaviour, the Corporation has also decided to change the mode of AEL feeder services to enhance flexibility to passengers. Customers can soon use MTR Mobile to hail taxis and enjoy fare discounts for their airport-bound trips on AEL, enabling point- to-point travel with smart mobility.

Passengers will be able to use electronic payment including credit cards to purchase “AEL Single Journey ticket QR Code” at the MTR self-service ticket zone at International Airport, making travel to downtown areas more convenient for residents and tourists alike. While waiting for trains on the platform of Airport Express, passengers can check out the seat availability information of the approaching train on the passenger information display system and choose which position on the platform to wait for the train.

Also starting from the third quarter in 2020, the Corporation will progressively refurbish the seats and carpets of AEL trains to give the railway line a new look. New seat covers featuring the blue and aquamarine AEL logos and a grey wave pattern will be paired with synthetic leather head rests which are not only sleek but also easier to clean.

"Despite MTR patronage being seriously affected by the pandemic in the past few months, the Corporation remains committed to enhancing customer service. AEL has been highly praised for its railway service and has been providing a quality and convenient connection between the airport and the downtown districts for many years. As we are optimistic that air traffic will pick up after the pandemic, we hope residents and tourists will keep enjoying the connection service provided by AEL with its new and upgraded features,” said Ms Jeny Yeung, Commercial Director of MTR Corporation.

In addition, the Corporation strives to provide more flexible connectivity for AEL passengers. As the AEL fare discount for passengers taking a taxi as a feeder service has been very popular, the Corporation plans to collaborate with taxi-hailing apps and provide a one-stop hailing platform in the MTR Mobile in the third quarter of this year which passenger can use to hail a taxi and purchase AEL tickets. If the passenger takes a taxi to , Station or Station, they can enjoy AEL fare discounts at the same time. Following a thorough review, the AEL shuttle bus service which has suffered from continuously low ridership will cease to operate after the existing service contract expires on 30 June 2020. The shuttle bus service has been suspended since 10 April 2020 because of the pandemic.

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"With the new measure, the coverage of the feeder service for AEL will be extended beyond the routes of the shuttle bus service. Besides, the Corporation is also looking into other feeder services such as facilitating more pick-up and drop-off spots at AEL stations for hotel vehicles,” added Ms Yeung.

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About MTR Corporation

Every day, MTR connects people and communities. As a recognised world-class operator of sustainable rail transport services, we are a leader in safety, reliability, customer service and efficiency.

MTR has extensive end-to-end railway expertise with more than 40 years of railway projects experience from design to planning and construction through to commissioning, maintenance and operations. Going beyond railway delivery and operation, MTR also creates and manages dynamic communities around its network through seamless integration of rail, commercial and property development.

With more than 40,000 dedicated staff*, MTR carries over 13 million passenger journeys worldwide every weekday in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia and the Mainland of China. MTR strives to grow and connect communities for a better future.

For more information about MTR Corporation, please visit www..com.hk.

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Photo caption:

1. The Corporation will progressively refurbish the seats and carpets of AEL trains to give the railway line a new look. (Design Image)

2. While waiting for trains on the platform, passengers can check out the seat availability information of the approaching train on the passenger information display system. They will be able to see which train compartments have seats available. (Photomontage)