Planned MTR Suspension Sees Passengers Switch Routes

Trains weren’t running between Hung Hom and Mong Kok East stations on Sunday, in the first of ten planned suspensions by the MTR this year, with the railway operator saying most passengers had switched to using other routes.

The MTR announced in December that the closures would be needed to allow for construction work on the Sha Tin to Central link. It said the workers needed the time to connect the existing East Rail Line with a new railway section in Hung Hom station and on Hong Kong Island.

MTR staff were seen directing passengers to shuttle buses that ran between Kowloon Tong and Hung Hom stations, with Mong Kok East station being skipped.

It said most passengers had switched to other routes, and its shuttle buses had served around 2,400 passengers by 11 am.

Some passengers that RTHK spoke to said they were not aware of the arrangement beforehand.

"It's a little bit inconvenient, the ride will probably will take half an hour more,” said one.

The MTR said passengers who get off at Hung Hom station on the West Rail Line, and then go on to take the East Rail Line, will not be charged for the two trips.

Those getting off at Kowloon Tong on the East Rail Line will be charged, but they will be given a complimentary ride on the West Rail Line afterwards.

Some passengers told RTHK it was reasonable that they were compensated for the suspension of services.

The MTR said the next suspension of services will occur on February 21, with the remaining eight Sunday closures happening between April and October.