High-speed rail back in service after three years hiatus

Hong Kong ushered in on Sunday the first batch of visitors taking the high-speed rail from the mainland after a three-year hiatus.

Commuters were satisfied with the smooth high-speed rail trip visiting Hong Kong for a reunion, business, and a vacation they longed for.

Some passengers voiced excitement and relief about being able to more easily return to their hometowns in time for the approaching Lunar New Year.

The high-speed train services resume with tickets each way capped at 5,000 per day. The number of high-speed train tickets is in addition to the daily quota set for Hong Kong residents traveling to and from the mainland since the quarantine-free travel began on Jan 8.

MTR prepared a gift pack for the first incoming visitors, with a balloon arch at the arriving concourse.

Boarding the first train leaving for Hong Kong at 7.24 from Shenzhen North station, a young couple, Chen Yiming and his wife said they were expecting a sweet honeymoon in Hong Kong.

"We had to postpone our honeymoon due to the pandemic, and I now finally can make it up for my wife," he said.

Another traveler added, "I have to travel to Hong Kong very frequently because of work. The reopening of the high-speed train is convenient for me because it goes to the Hong Kong downtown area."

He said he would again opt for the high-speed train for the twice-a-week visit to Hong Kong.

For young student Rong Chenwen, boarding the first bullet train to Hong Kong is to catch the concert of her idol Blackpink, a South Korean girl band, on Sunday evening.

"I would have missed the concert had it not for the resumption of cross-boundary travels," Rong said.

She said that catching the first train in the early morning would give her ample time to see the city.

(Staff reporter and China Daily)