MTR services in 2023 reach 90pc of pre-pandemic levels

The MTR Corporation said on Monday that its services in 2023 have recovered to nearly 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, while pledging to strengthen non-peak-hour services starting next week.

The railway firm said today that the total number of train services in the previous year has recovered to nearly 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The number of local passengers using MTR services has also exceeded 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

As for cross-boundary train services, they have recovered to over 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, the firm said that starting this coming Monday, non-peak-hour services will be strengthened on five railway lines, including the Tseung Kwan O line, South Island line, Tuen Ma line, Tung Chung Line and Disneyland Resort Line.

There will be a total of 228 trips added each week, with train frequencies enhanced to between 5 and 10 minutes on the South Island line and Disneyland Resort Line.

When asked to comment on the possible resumption of the multi-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents before the Lunar New Year, the MTR spokesman said the firm will cooperate according to the announcements made by the SAR government, adding that the service arrangements for the Lunar New Year period will be announced in due course.

The spokesman also noted that the firm will look into the possibility of extending East Rail line services on special occasions. This came as reports suggested that the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang checkpoints will soon be open for traffic 24 hours per day.

Separately, the MTR said its current policy to pause overground train services under Typhoon 9 signal will remain unchanged after a review - which has taken safety considerations into account.

The firm said it will step up publicity for its Typhoon 9 service protocol to allow more time for commuters to prepare for themselves.

Read more: 

Former Hong Kong Observatory chief wants MTR to review service arrangement under T9

No promise to provide 75-minute advanced notice for T9, says environment chief