PR095/16 23 October 2016

First Train Departs at 6:10am as MTR Extends to and Whampoa

The extension of the MTR Kwun Tong Line to Ho Man Tin and Whampoa officially began passenger service soon after 6:00am today (23 October 2016).

With the extended MTR Kwun Tong Line, it takes about 5 minutes to ride between Whampoa and Yau Ma Tei stations, which would take about 15 to 20 minutes with other public transport on road. The new MTR extension is expected to alleviate road traffic congestion in the areas of Ho Man Tin and Whampoa.

“From today, residents living in or travelling to and from the Whampoa and Ho Man Tin areas will be able to enjoy a direct and more convenient travel experience with reduced journey time and seamless connections to MTR’s railway network. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local communities for their patience and support during the construction phase. My gratitude also goes to over 700 engineering specialists and about 2,800 workers for the dedication throughout the planning and construction of this 2.6 km railway extension,” said Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of MTR Corporation.

Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Mr Lincoln Leong arrived at Whampoa Station early this morning to personally open the station for passengers who were eagerly waiting to experience the first train service. He then invited members of the City District community to join him in a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony on the station platform before boarding the first train with more than 1,000 passengers for the journey from Whampoa Station.

Operations Director of MTR Corporation Mr Adi Lau made the first announcement on the newly opened platform to welcome passengers on the maiden train service from Whampoa which departed at 6:10am sharp for Tiu Keng Leng.

“The enthusiasm and excitement of residents of District and railway fans for the opening of the extension of the Kwun Tong Line is clearly visible. It was an amazing feeling today to personally experience such enthusiasm for this new service,” said Mr Lincoln Leong, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.

“Extending an existing railway line to a densely built-up urban area like Whampoa and the complex excavation under the hilly terrain in Ho Man Tin were challenges which our colleagues had to overcome. I am very pleased to see the two new stations are now open and the local community can enjoy MTR’s safe, reliable and convenient train service, “ Mr Leong added.

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More than 700 MTR and contractor staff worked overnight to prepare for the start of service by changing more than 23,000 signs and information boards throughout the MTR network as well as to replace and update digital information and fare collection software to incorporate MTR service to the two new stations.

To help familiarise passengers with the new service and facilities during the initial stage of operations along the extension, additional staff and service assistants have been deployed to the new stations and along the Kwun Tong Line.

“Overall train service along the has been smooth since the first train this morning. However, I would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding should teething problems occur and cause them any inconvenience. For the next few weeks, we will continue to deploy additional staff at the two new stations to assist passengers in finding their way around and using the new facilities,” said Mr Adi Lau, Operations Director of MTR Corporation.

Construction of the 2.6km Kwun Tong Line Extension commenced in mid-2011. With the start of passenger service today, Whampoa Station has taken over from Yau Ma Tei as the new terminus station of the line while Ho Man Tin Station becomes the largest interchange station in the MTR network.

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About MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation is regarded as one of the world’s leading railway operators for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency. In its home base of , the Corporation operates nine commuter railway lines, a Light Rail network and a high-speed Airport Express link on which more than 5.5 million passenger trips are made on a normal week day. Another 5 million passenger trips are made on the rail services it operates outside Hong Kong in the Mainland of China, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia. In addition, the Corporation is involved in a range of railway construction projects as well as railway consultancy and contracting services around the world. Leveraging on its railway expertise, the Corporation is involved in the development of transit-related residential and commercial property projects, property management, shopping malls leasing and management, advertising media and telecommunication services.

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

Photo caption

1. Mr Lincoln Leong, Chief Executive Officer (7th from left), Dr Jacob Kam, Managing Director- Operations & Mainland Business (8th from left), Mr Adi Lau, Operations Director (5th from left), Dr Philco Wong, Projects Director of MTR Corporation(6th from right), Mr Pun Kwok-wah, Chairman of Council (6th from left), Mr Franco Kwok, District Officer (Kowloon City) (7th from right), Mr Leung Fuk-chak, Chairman of Occupants Committee (5th from right) and Ms Pak Lok-yee, KTE Youth Ambassador (4th from left), join members of local community and other MTR senior management representatives in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the new railway service.

2. Mr Lincoln Leong, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation shares the excitement of passengers in taking the first train from Whampoa Station.

3. The two new MTR stations are filled with a carnival atmosphere on the first day of service for the extended Kwun Tong Line as roving teams take instant photos of passengers.

4. Additional staff and station assistants help passengers at Ho Man Tin and Whampoa stations to find their way around and use the new facilities.