(Pictures) MTR Kwun Tong Line says hello to new trains

Newly designed MTR trains of Kwun Tong Line saw their maiden voyage this morning, with fans gathering on platforms to celebrate the launch.

Hundreds of citizens queued on platforms at Choi Hung Station for the first departure to Tiu Keng Leung at 8:58am on Sunday.

"I am very, very excited to take the new train!" said an 11-year-old boy surnamed Wong. He added that he had been waiting at the platform before 8am with his parents to be the first batch of passengers.

Manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Corporation, the newly acquired Q-Trains cost over HK$6 billion to replace the over 40-year-old British M-Trains, and first started into service at Choi Hung Station on Sunday morning. 

New trains are designed with broad areas next to the carriages' doors, allowing passengers to enjoy larger spaces, said MTR Corporations, and the hand straps and grab poles in carriages also see new shapes designed in accordance with ergonomics.

About 93 new trains - one-third of the total number of trains in operations - will be introduced in sequence into Hong Kong's MTR networks. 

Trains for Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, and Tseung Kwan O Line will be updated in following by 2029, said Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, Hong Kong Transport Services Director of MTR Corporation.