Rail services closely monitored

November 30, 2022

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung today said the Government closely monitors the MTR Corporation’s performance on railway operation and maintenance to ensure its railway services are safe, reliable and efficient.

 

Mr Lam was replying to questions from legislator Tony Tse in the Legislative Council, adding that the corporation has taken follow-up work on incidents that took place recently.

 

The corporation has established a panel to investigate the Tsuen Wan Line train incident that occurred on November 13 and it has to submit a detailed report to the Government within two months of the incident.

 

He noted that besides the cause of the incident, the report should also include comprehensive improvement measures and an implementation plan to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

 

Regarding the escalator incidents at Chai Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui stations on November 12 and 13, Mr Lam said inspections conducted by the escalator contractor revealed that both incidents were related to the wedging of passengers' shoes or clothing between steps.

 

As many escalator incidents are related to the wedging of foreign objects, the railway company will step up publicity on the proper use of escalators by the public to prevent accidents, he added.

 

On the Government's monitoring of the MTR Corporation, the transport chief said the monitoring work is not confined to the board level.

 

Relevant government departments have been closely monitoring its performance on railway operation and maintenance through various platforms, the reports submitted by the corporation as well as on-site inspections, Mr Lam said.

 

These efforts ensure its duties and services meet the Government's regulatory requirements to maintain the provision of safe, reliable and efficient railway services to the public, he added.

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