Train watchers say new MTR line opening soon

The MTR Corp is gearing up for the launch of the first phase of the Tuen Ma Line in the first quarter, with sources saying service may start in the middle of next month.

Facebook page Riders, a group founded for "railway enthusiasts," quoted sources as saying trial runs had resumed on Monday and are expected to finish in six weeks.

For the first three weeks, trains on the Ma On Shan Line from the afternoon peak hours to the end of service will head farther to Kai Tak station to take a U-turn after unloading passengers at Tai Wai station, the Facebook page wrote.

Three weeks later all trains will take the U-turn at Kai Tak station to test the timetable, which will last for another three weeks, so it can be estimated that the Tuen Ma Line will be launched after the Lunar New Year.

"If the trials go smoothly, the line should be ready for opening in mid-February," Riders estimated.

The page quoted sources as saying the MTRC ended services early at the end of last year, resulting in trials scheduled between late November and mid-January being delayed.

In response to an inquiry, a spokeswoman for the rail operator said the first phase of Tuen Ma Line is currently undergoing trial operation. The operation tests for different systems, including railways, train services, and station facilities, will be carried out gradually. And staff will prepare for the opening, she said.

"The first phase of the Tuen Ma Line is expected to be launched in the first quarter as scheduled and the opening date is yet to be confirmed," she said.

Last July, Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said the government had accepted the MTRC's recommendation of opening the first phase of the Tuen Ma Line - which includes the Tai Wai, Hin Keng, Diamond Hill and Kai Tak stations - in the first quarter of 2020.

Trial runs on the first phase of the Tuen Ma Line began on October 28 last year, with tests carried out between Tai Wai and Kai Tak stations.

Tuen Ma Line is part of the HK$99 billion scandal-ridden Sha Tin to Central Rail Link, which includes 10 stations - Tai Wai, Hin Keng, Diamond Hill extension, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi, To Kwa Wan, Ho Man Tin, Hung Hom extension, Exhibition Centre and Admiralty.

For the second phase, the Kai Tak to Hung Hom section is expected to be opened before the end of 2021.

charlotte.luo@singtaonewscorp.com