PR028/21 30 April 2021

First Train Service of the and Phase 1 to start at 7:30am on 2 May 2021 to facilitate Tuen Ma Line Full Line Train Tests

The first trains of the West Rail Line (“WRL”) and Tuen Ma Line (“TML”) Phase 1 on 2 May 2021 (Sunday) will be deferred to around 7:30am to enable the extended non-traffic hours testing of the full TML to take place from the early morning of 2 May. The Corporation appeals to passengers to plan their journeys ahead and spare time for travelling, as well as consider taking other public transport and using the ten free MTR shuttle bus routes connected with different railway lines during the service adjustment period on the morning of 2 May. The MTR Corporation will also closely monitor and coordinate the day’s transport arrangements with the Transport Department so that appropriate adjustments and measures could be implemented to facilitate passengers’ travel.

The extended non-traffic hours testing is part of the final preparations for the commissioning of the full Tuen Ma Line later this year. Comprehensive TML train tests have been carried out during non-traffic hours since April and will continue till June to ensure smooth integration with the existing railway lines and fulfill the approval conditions of relevant Government departments for the full line commissioning. The upcoming tests on 2 May 2021 will simulate the running of the full TML under peak and non-peak hours. As extra time will be required for preparation and testing, this will inevitably extend to part of the normal operating hours in the morning. The Corporation will strive to ensure smooth completion of the tests and resume the railway service of the WRL and TML Phase 1 that morning as soon as possible. Timely updates on the train service arrangements will be disseminated to the public via MTR Mobile and the media.

The Corporation will make special transport, fare and related arrangements during the service adjustment period on 2 May to facilitate passenger flow. These include:

1. The Corporation has liaised with the Transport Department to enhance other public transport services in the affected areas on the day so as to alleviate passenger flow.

2. Starting from around 5:15am, ten free MTR shuttle bus routes will be running from WRL and TML Phase 1 stations at 2 to 10-minute intervals until around 30 minutes after both railway lines have resumed service. These shuttle bus routes will also connect to stations along the , Line, and Line for passengers to interchange and continue their journeys on these railway lines or other transport services. Due to the unpredictable road traffic conditions and lower capacity of shuttle buses compared to trains, journey time is anticipated to be longer.

3. More than 500 additional staff will be deployed on that day to provide assistance to passengers to use the free shuttle bus services or to continue their journeys with alternative railway routes.

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4. Notices are on display and public announcements are being broadcast in WRL and TML Phase 1 stations, in addition to radio and social media publicity to inform passengers about the service arrangements on 2 May 2021. Meanwhile, passengers are invited to stay tuned to MTR Mobile and instant news on the day for the latest information about the service adjustment.

To ensure passengers taking the free shuttle buses will not pay extra because of split trips, a special fare arrangement will be in place on 2 May. Passengers who encounter fare issues can also approach the Customer Service Centres at MTR stations for assistance.

The Corporation wishes to thank passengers again for their cooperation and understanding. As a token of appreciation, registered MTR Mobile users who have their Octopus linked to the app and have travelled on the MTR before 8am on any Sundays in April will be credited with 2,000 MTR Points to their account. The accumulated points can be used to redeem rewards at the app. Please refer to the Latest News in MTR Mobile for details.

Please scan the below QR code or refer to MTR Mobile for the details of the free MTR shuttle bus service on 2 May morning.

(https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/2may_late_opening/route_info.pdf)

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Photo caption

Signage has been posted at relevant stations to remind passengers of the West Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line Phase 1 service adjustment on 2 May 2021 (Sunday) morning.