MTR enhances cross-border services for Dragon Boat Festival holiday rush

29-05-2025 13:40 HKT

MTR has enhanced crowd management arrangements at the two cross-boundary stations, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.

Hong Kong's MTR Corporation has rolled out comprehensive service upgrades ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival weekend, addressing previous network congestion issues that plagued border stations during May's Golden Week.

Beginning this Saturday, May 31, travelers can expect boosted train frequencies, expanded WiFi capacity, and improved passenger flow management across key cross-border routes.

The railway operator confirmed it has significantly upgraded mobile data capacity at all border stations following widespread complaints about network failures during the May holiday period.

Mobile network operators have been requested to boost mobile data capacity at cross-boundary stations and expand Wi-Fi capacity at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations - the two busiest land crossings - to supplement internet access in case mobile data falls short.

Other service adjustments include additional East Rail Line trains during morning and evening peak periods on Saturday and Sunday, with extended capacity provisions through Monday to accommodate mainland tourists whose holiday extends an extra day.

The high-speed rail link will deploy 16-car trains for a number of short-haul trips from May 30 to June 3, thereby increasing passenger capacity.

The MTR has also implemented several crowd control measures. Dedicated “courtesy channels” will operate continuously at border stations to assist elderly passengers, disabled travelers and families with young children.

During peak passenger flow over the holiday, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations will operate “courtesy channels” as needed to facilitate passengers with special needs.

Digital payment systems have been stress-tested ahead of the expected surge, with staff positioned to help visitors navigate QR code ticketing. Octopus Cards Limited has simultaneously launched a promotional campaign encouraging tourists to use their network-independent mobile payment solution.

Additional passenger information has been placed in prominent locations at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations to offer travel tips for passengers using different payment means, helping minimize the time spent at the gates.