Action stations for Tai Po in East Rail screen door race

Christine Tang

Screen gates are in use at Tai Po Market station following the completion of installation work, MTR Corp said.

That is part of the rail operator's program to install platform screen gates at 13 East Rail line stations since last May and makes Tai Po Market the fifth station after Racecourse, Lok Ma Chau, Sheung Shui and Sha Tin to have work completed.

"Works to install screen doors at Tai Wo station also commenced on Monday night," it said. "In total, four stations are now undergoing construction of platform gates simultaneously, with ongoing works at Tai Wai, Fan Ling, and Fo Tan stations."

Except for Fo Tan, where work can be carried out during the day due to availability of backup platforms, the other three stations can only utilize the "golden two hours" after the closure of train services at night to have the work done. The work at these four stations are targeted for completion this year.

With the ongoing installation, the MTR will deploy platform assistants to maintain order and assist passengers.

"Various safety facilities, including light signals and plastic strips to reduce the platform gap, have also been put in place to get passengers to stay away from the platform edges and tracks," it said.

Station assistants will be on hand to remind and assist passengers during boarding and alighting, and staff training will be strengthened to enhance their alertness and ability to provide support.

For the three platforms with greater curvatures, namely Lo Wu, University and Mong Kok East stations, the construction works are expected to commence in the fourth quarter and be completed next year.