After the cross-sea section of the East Rail Line was opened to traffic, the Democratic Party urged the Democratic Party to review the operation mode of the first-class carriages

The cross-sea section of the East Rail Line was opened to traffic in May, and passengers can take the East Rail Line directly to the Convention and Exhibition and Admiralty Stations.

Although the time has become faster, the disguised form has increased the number of users.

The Democratic Party conducted a survey on the cross-sea section of the East Rail Line in June. The study found that the public believed that the opening of the train might save time, but nearly 70% believed that at the same time, the trains of the East Rail Line would become more crowded, and the trains would become more crowded during peak hours. , and even the first-class carriages are also forced to burst.

The Democratic Party proposes to increase the frequency of MTR trains and review the operation mode of first-class carriages, such as releasing first-class carriages during peak hours, so that citizens can ride at ordinary fares and increase the overall passenger volume.

The cross-sea section of the East Rail Line was opened to traffic in May, and passengers can take the East Rail Line directly to the Convention and Exhibition and Admiralty Stations.

Although the time has become faster, the disguised form has increased the number of users.

(Photo by Luo Junhao)

During June, the Democratic Party successfully interviewed 1,238 citizens through online, telephone and street stations. Among them, 70% of the respondents agreed that the travel time would be shortened after the opening of the East Rail Line crossing the sea.

According to the actual measurements of the Democratic Party members, taking Sha Tin as an example, the new route saves 15 minutes compared to the old route, and citizens no longer need to change trains, which greatly increases its attractiveness.

However, the study found that nearly 70% of the respondents said that after the opening of the East Rail Line crossing the sea, the carriages became crowded.

More than 80 percent of adults agree with the increase of frequency, and more than 60 percent of the respondents agree that the cancellation of first-class carriages can improve crowding conditions, and half of them believe that women-only carriages should be set up during peak hours.

Chong Wing-fai, deputy spokesman for the transportation policy of the Democratic Party, pointed out that at 8:00 am yesterday (5th), when citizens took the East Rail Line, even if they paid close to double the toll to take the first-class carriages, there was still congestion. After waiting for the fare of the carriages, they failed to enjoy the corresponding quality, questioning the necessity of the first-class carriages.

In addition, the East Rail Line is the only one with first-class carriages. He suggested that the MTR can release first-class carriages during peak hours so that the public can ride at ordinary fares for the purpose of evacuation.

The Democratic Party said that the East Rail Line is already crowded, and it is worried that the reopening of the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border crossings in the future will exacerbate the related situation. Therefore, it is hoped that the MTR will increase the number of trains throughout the day to ease the congestion in the carriages.

In addition, the MTR should also study the possibility of adding the 10th train and extend the existing morning discount to all stations in Hong Kong for diversion.

The URA’s Kwun Tong redevelopment and revised parameters are planned to be tendered in November and are expected to be completed no later than 2031. The proposed 1,000-meter waterfront promenade will be built with grass and tree plazas in 2024. Stakeholders hope that the two places are 50 meters away from the original site

01 Community