The opening of Hong Kong's "journey of enlightenment" cable car has moved a step closer with the announcement that operator Skyrail-ITM will resume trials for industry professionals and the media from tomorrow.A Skyrail spokeswoman said in addition to the media, the company will also invite locals, travel trade representatives, government officers and the firm's business partners to the Lantau cable car system for the trials, which will end next Tuesday.
A spokesman for the Electronic and Mechanical Services Department said it had already received a report of a survey conducted by an independent company hired by Skyrail.
He said the cable car system is now technically ready to carry passengers safely.
The opening of the system was delayed following a breakdown in June which left 500 people trapped for several hours in the gondolas.
Typhoon Prapiroon earlier this month caused further damage to the system. "Of course, we will keep a close eye on the system during the trial runs," the spokesman said, adding that technicians will be traveling on the cable cars during the trials.
On the successful completion of the trials, Skyrail will meet the government and the MTR Corp to agree on an opening date for Ngong Ping Skyrail, the Skyrail spokeswoman said.
Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip Shu-kwan said continous tests and monitoring must be conducted to ensure the safety of the cable car system before the grand opening.
