MTR to Enhance Ma On Shan Line with 8-Car Trains
Passengers will soon find more convenient and comfortable journeys on the MTR Ma On Shan Line (MOL) starting from early 2017 when two converted 8-car trains commence service on the line. The fleet of 15 4-car MOL trains will gradually be replaced with 8-car trains over the following year. This represents another milestone to prepare for the future operation of the East West Corridor of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project where direct train service from Wu Kai Sha Station will run through the West Rail Line (WRL) to Tuen Mun Station.
Mr Nelson Ng, Head of Operating – North and East Regions of MTR Corporation, said:
“Apart from having a more spacious travelling environment, the 8-car MOL trains are also equipped with dynamic route maps and gangway displays which provide more information for passengers during their journeys. When the conversion programme is completed, the overall carrying capacity on the MOL will be doubled. With the success that we have achieved in the ongoing WRL train conversion programme, we are ready to extend train conversion to MOL.”
“As 8-car trains will be operating alongside 4-car trains on MOL over the coming year. To allow a smooth transition, we are enhancing our communication with the travelling public to make sure that they continue to enjoy smooth MTR journeys.”
To ensure a reliable train service with the launch of 8-car train service in early 2017, the first two 8-car trains will conduct dynamic tests on the MOL after normal train service hours starting from late November this year for around three months. To facilitate the train testing, stopping position for all trains on the MOL including the 4-car trains and 8-car trains will be aligned from late November. Additional platform assistants will be deployed with station notices and broadcasts will be made to advise passengers of the new arrangements.
The existing MOL will be integrated with the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section of the SCL and WRL to form the future East West Corridor, providing direct railway service between the eastern and western New Territories. Targeted for completion in 2019, the East West Corridor will significantly enhance the connectivity and travel convenience of the entire railway network of Hong Kong as part of Rail Gen 2.0.
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