MTR to enhance train frequency amid Ching Ming travel peak

MTR will increase train frequencies on the East Rail Line and bolster bus services from Friday to Sunday amid public travel peaks during the Ching Ming Festival, with additional high-speed rail services to handle cross-boundary passenger demands.

On Friday and Sunday, Trains between Sheung Shui and Admiralty on the East Rail Line will operate as often as every 3.5 to four minutes during peak morning and evening hours, while services from Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau will run every 8.6 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, MTR Bus route K52A, which connects Tuen Mun Station on the Tuen Ma Line to Tsang Tsui Columbarium, will extend operating hours and increase frequencies to every 10 to 30 minutes during this weekend and the following weekend (April 12 to 13).

For cross-boundary travelers, high-speed rail (Hong Kong Section) will deploy 16-carriage trains on select short-haul trips.

Additional overnight long-haul sleeper trains to Shanghai and Beijing have been added on Wednesday and Thursday.

Two extra sleeper trains between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Station will run on both dates while an additional pair of sleeper trains between Hong Kong and Beijing will operate on April 3.

Passengers are advised to check the latest schedules on the 12306 website, High-Speed Rail webpage, or mobile app. 

MTR anticipated heavy passenger flows during the holiday and urged travelers to allow extra time.

The company said it will monitor service performance closely to ensure smooth operations.

The Transport Department also warned of potential congestion at land border checkpoints, particularly on Friday and Sunday.

Coordination with transport operators has been made to enhance services while private cross-border vehicles could face queues as special traffic arrangements may be implemented at Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints.

For those using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, real-time traffic updates are available via the government’s HKeMobility platform or the Zhuhai port’s official WeChat accounts.

The department advises travelers to plan ahead and check these tools before departing.

Meanwhile, Citybus will operate special routes to facilitate travel to cemeteries in the Southern District during the festival and temporarily adjust services on multiple routes, including Route 347 and 971R, on Friday and Sunday. 

There will also be temporary bus stop arrangements for some routes at Victoria Road, and temporary arrangements at Central (Exchange Square) and Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus on the above dates.

(Ayra Wang)