EJ Insight » Hong Kong
Get used to overcrowding in trains in the foreseeable future.
That’s despite a plan by Hong Kong rail operator MTR Corp. to increase capacity.
It will take at least until 2026 to upgrade the signaling system to allow an extra carriage to be added to trains, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reports, citing documents filed with the Legislative Council.
Officials expect the extra carriage to increase passenger capacity by 10 percent.
The documents show that West Rail Line had the worst overcrowding with passenger loads up to 104 percent of capacity.
Tsuen Wan Line had the second worst overcrowding at 102 percent.
Meanwhile, Secretary for Transport and Housing Anthony Cheung said proposed passenger subsidies from the government’s share of rail revenue is “not feasible”.
MTRC chairman Frederick Ma made the proposal that would allow government dividends from the rail operator which came to HK$4 billion (US$515.6 million) last year to be plowed back to the public in fare subsidies.
Also, MTRC is proposing changes to certain regulations and related fines, according to Metro Daily.
One proposal covers the use of foul language and improper attire. Another seeks lower fines for related offenses to HK$2,000 from HK$5,000.
– Contact us at english@hkej.com
EL/JP/RA
http://www.ejinsight.com/20160414-mtr-overcrowding-here-to-stay-for-next-10-years/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=20160414-mtr-overcrowding-here-to-stay-for-next-10-years
