More trains for Ching Ming Festival

Ayra Wang

MTR will increase train frequencies on the East Rail Line and bolster bus services from tomorrow to Sunday amid public travel peaks during the Ching Ming Festival, with additional High-Speed Rail services to handle cross-boundary passenger demands.

Trains between Sheung Shui and Admiralty on the East Rail Line will operate as often as every 3.5 to four minutes during peak morning and evening hours tomorrow and on Sunday, while services from Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau will run every 8.6 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, MTR Bus route K52A, which connects Tuen Mun Station on the Tuen Ma Line to Tsang Tsui Columbarium, will extend hours and increase frequencies to between 10 and 30 minutes during this weekend and that of April 12 to 13.

For cross-boundary travelers, the High-Speed Rail will deploy 16-carriage trains on select short-haul trips from Hong Kong. Two extra sleeper trains between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Station and an additional pair between Hong Kong and Beijing will run today.

Passengers are advised to check the latest schedules on the 12306 website, High-Speed Rail web page, or mobile app.

The Transport Department also warned of potential congestion at land border checkpoints, particularly tomorrow and on Sunday.

Coordination with transport operators has been made to enhance services while private cross-border vehicles could face queues as special traffic arrangements may be implemented at Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints.

For those using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, real-time traffic updates are available via the government's HKeMobility platform or the Zhuhai port's official WeChat accounts.

The department advises travelers to plan ahead and check these tools before departing.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com