Hong Kong’s rail operator will offer free shuttle buses, deploy 1,000 staff and implement crowd control measures to help passengers affected by suspended services at four stations on Sunday in the first extensive equipment upgrade in the company’s 45-year history.
The MTR Corporation said on Tuesday that it aimed to ensure Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Ho Man Tin stations on the Kwun Tong line resumed normal operation on Monday, the following day.
“We have different checkpoints to monitor the construction progress and whether we can resume train services the next day,” said Cheris Lee Yuen-ling, the MTR Corp’s chief of operating and metro segment.
The company said it would update residents on Sunday and would not leave them unprepared for arrangements on Monday.
The 28-hour service suspension is part of the firm’s railway asset maintenance plan, in which it is spending HK$65 billion (US$8.3 billion) over a five-year period until 2027 to upgrade facilities and make use of technology to improve standards.
Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei stations will still be open for trains running on the Tsuen Wan line on Sunday, while those on the Tuen Ma route will still serve Ho Man Tin station.
The Kwun Tong line will continue to operate between Tiu Keng Leng and Prince Edward, as well as between Ho Man Tin and Whampoa.
Passengers on the Kwun Tong line can only change over to the Tsuen Wan line at Prince Edward station.
Trains will run every five minutes on the Kwun Tong line, every 3½ minutes on the Tsuen Wan line and every 5½ minutes on the Tuen Ma line.
Lee expected a surge of passengers at Prince Edward station, with the operator set to implement crowd control measures.
She also urged passengers to plan ahead and use the free bus services offered by the MTR Corp and KMB.
Bus route 8 running between Ho Man Tin and Yau Ma Tei will offer free services.
Passengers can also enjoy free trips if they board buses on route 30X at designated stops in Whampoa and Yau Ma Tei.
The MTR Corp said buses would run about every 10 minutes on both routes, while services on route 30X would be stepped up during rush hours.
Lee explained the upgrade had to be conducted during the day as the work was much larger than the regular repairs and maintenance that could be completed within two hours after daily services finished.
The operator would deploy 1,000 staff to help passengers on Sunday, she added.
The firm also warned of another possible service disruption later this year on the Tung Chung line, but it would depend on the progress of other asset renewal works and construction on extending the line. Lee did not provide further details.
Citybus said it would monitor paid routes 20A, E21A, E21B, E23, E23A and 795X serving the affected areas and would increase services if needed.
