Blown-off canopy at University station disrupts East Rail Line

Strong gusty winds blew off a canopy at the MTR University station yesterday, resulting in an East Rail Line service disruption for nearly an hour.

Photos and video footage circulating on the internet showed the previously covered area "transform into an open-air space."

MTR Corp promptly responded by conducting emergency repairs, which necessitated adjustments to train schedules.

Trains between Admiralty and Fo Tan stations operated at intervals of seven-and-a-half minutes, while trips between Admiralty and Lo Wu, as well as between Tai Po Market and Lok Ma Chau, ran at 15-minute intervals.

MTRC said the canopy of platform one at University station on the East Rail Line (Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau-bound) was suspected to have sustained weather-related damage. After conducting an evaluation to ensure safety, emergency maintenance became necessary, it added.

To facilitate maintenance work, the control center arranged for all trains, both northbound and southbound, to utilize platform two of the station starting at approximately 3.30pm.

"This adjustment to train operations resulted in an overall travel time increase of three to five minutes," MTRC said.

The emergency maintenance work concluded after an hour at 4.20pm, with train services gradually returning to normal.

"Passengers were provided with up-to-date train service information through announcements at stations, on the MTR Mobile app and website, and various media outlets," it added.

Passengers were advised to factor in extra travel time.

"Maintenance team will conduct a detailed inspection and follow-up after service hours," it said.

The incident sparked discussions online, with some web users suggesting that the MTRC undertake station refurbishment work to enhance the dilapidated canopies.

"Additional canopies should be installed at University station to shield waiting passengers from the sun and rain," one commented.

Also, web users raised questions about whether the canopies had undergone any refurbishment since its establishment in the 1950s.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com