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Written by: Chen Jingqi
2020-07-07 16:05
Date of last update: 2020-07-07 16:05In order to facilitate the future extension of the East Rail Line across the sea, MTR originally planned to complete the replacement of the new signal system for the line by the middle of this year, and gradually replace the current 12-train trains of the East Rail Line with 9-train trains. However, in May this year, during the non-driving period, during the testing of the new signal system, there were 3 consecutive accidents. The EMSD once requested the MTR to stop the new signal for field test.
"Hong Kong 01" received multiple news that at the end of June, MTR had already resumed low-key field test of the new signal system. In response to its enquiry, the EMSD admitted that it had approved the MTR’s resumption of the on-site driving test of the East Rail’s new signaling system on June 22. MTR also stated that the "mixed running" arrangement of 9-car trains on the East Rail Line in the original scheduled year and the existing 12-car trains will be adjusted according to the situation, which means that the relevant arrangements will be delayed.
The East Rail Line had accidents in succession when it tested the new signal system earlier. In a test in the early morning of May 23, the train captain did not follow the lights and instructions to drive incorrectly, and the train monitoring system screen of the traffic control center also flashed, and the driving status could not be displayed at one time; the test in the early morning of May 25 During the period, when the simulated interlocking computer system fails to test whether another system can function normally, the interlocking system shuts down.
The EMSD requested MTR to investigate the above three accidents in detail and suspended the field test of the new signal system. It emphasized that "the MTR will only approve the use of the new signal system after accepting the report and confirming that the new signal system is safe and operating properly. ."
"Hong Kong 01" summarized multiple sources and learned that although MTR did not submit a detailed investigation report of the relevant incident to the Hong Kong Government, it had resumed on the East Rail Line in a low-key manner at the end of June to arrange field driving tests for the new signal system. It is understood that during the non-traffic hours in the evening, MTR has arranged for staff to switch over the new signal system on the East Rail Line to test the running status of the new 9-card train.
According to news that once participated in the test, according to the current test progress, it is still necessary to further simulate other scenarios and prepare for the final leak work. It is estimated that the new 9-card train can be arranged on the East Rail Line as soon as September. In the "hybrid running" mode, it operates simultaneously with the existing 12-card train.
The EMSD replied that on June 22, MTRCL had been approved to resume the field test of the new signal system during the evening non-service hours. (Profile picture)
In response to enquiries, the EMSD admitted that the MTRCL had been approved to resume field testing of the new signal system during non-service hours in the evening from June 22. The EMSD explained that a detailed inspection of the signal system records at the end of May and the running records of the trains involved in the test had confirmed that the train automatic protection system was functioning normally, there was sufficient safety distance between the trains, and the incident did not involve railway equipment. Damaged. In the software simulation test, it has been confirmed that the operation of the automatic train protection system is not affected, so it is approved to resume the test run.
The EMSD emphasized that the authorities have requested the MTR to submit a detailed investigation report on the accident at the end of May as soon as possible. The spokesman reiterated that the new signal system needs to pass a series of evaluation procedures of the department and relevant departments and confirm that it is safe and functioning before it can be put into service.
Reviewing the information, the EMSD initially stated that "it will only approve the use of the new signal system after accepting the report and confirming that the new signal system is safe and functioning well" . It is inconsistent with the resumption of the trial run without receiving a detailed report.
It is understood that the MTR has submitted a preliminary report to the EMSD one week after the incident and included relevant technical data. As for the detailed report, people familiar with the matter said that the detailed report should be submitted within this month. However, during the preliminary investigation, the cause of the accident was learned. The train automatic monitoring system received more data on the day, resulting in a delayed display on the screen However, it was emphasized that the accident did not affect the operation of the automatic train protection system, and the authorities have requested the MTR to ensure that the relevant situation no longer occurs.
The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Chen Fan, attended the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Railway Matters on June 19 and explained that the East Rail Line had three accidents during the testing of the new signal system at the end of May, describing the incident as "absolutely not ideal." (Photo by Lu Yiming)
The MTR did not respond directly when replying, whether the field test of the new signal system of the East Rail Line has been resumed. An MTR spokesperson only said that it is still following up on the situation discovered during the exercise earlier, and will complete all testing and exercise procedures to determine the standards and requirements of the relevant departments before the new system and new trains are put into service. Whether the new 9-card train will be put into service as planned this year, the spokesperson said that adjustments will be made according to the situation and will be announced in due course.
Three accidents occurred on the East Rail Line testing new signal system at the end of May Chen Fan: Absolutely not ideal
Three accidents occurred in the testing of the new signal system of the East Rail Line across the sea
MTR expects to complete repairs to mid-station facilities this year. East Rail Line will be equipped with automatic platform gates
News: It is suspected that the MTR East Rail Line will fail after the 12-car train is replaced by the 9-car train.
MTR Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Transport and Housing Bureau
