High-speed rail 'flexi-trip' launches today, passengers laud convenience

MTR Corporation launched a flexible ticketing arrangement Monday allowing high-speed rail passengers to change their train trips up to three times for free on the day of travel, providing additional convenience for commuters.

The "Same-day Flexi-trip Arrangement" was announced last week for passengers traveling between West Kowloon and Futian Station. Travelers are allowed to make three last-minute trip changes in addition to the general ticket alteration.

Passengers can choose their new departures from the 38 direct trains running between West Kowloon and Futian, excluding trains with Futian as an intermediate stop, and will be given the same class of ticket.

However, changes must be processed from 45 minutes before a departure time to one hour after trains depart.

On the first day of the arrangement, passengers praised the convenience and said they could save time by altering their trips on the phone instead of at the counters.

Another passenger, surnamed Lau, said they could switch their tickets immediately and did not have to wait in the queue.

Passengers unfamiliar with mobile apps can also use 12306, China Railway's ticketing website, or self-service points to complete the procedure.