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LCQ1: Installation of automatic platform gates at MTR stations
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    Following is a question by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (July 2):

Question:

    Last month, a serious accident occurred at MTR Kwai Fong Station where a passenger awaiting trains on the platform was hit by a train, resulting in one death and four injuries. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:

(a)  whether the MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") has specific plans for advancing the retrofitting works of automatic platform gates ("APGs") at the 8 at-grade and aboveground stations of the pre-merger MTR system; if so, of the respective completion dates of the retrofitting works at those stations; if not, the reasons for that; and

(b)  the measures taken by MTRCL to enhance the protection for passengers on the platforms before completion of the above APG retrofitting works?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a)  The retrofitting of automatic platform gates (APGs) at platforms of an operating railway line involves highly complicated works including major modifications to the platform structure, ventilation system and earthing protection system. The MTR Corporation has completed a detailed feasibility study and decided to proceed with the retrofitting of APGs at the 8 at-grade and aboveground stations of the pre-merger MTR system, namely Kwai Fong, Kwai Hing and Tsuen Wan Stations of Tsuen Wan Line; Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok and Kwun Tong Stations of Kwun Tong Line; and Chai Wan and Heng Fa Chuen Stations of Island Line.

    The MTR Corporation understands that Members of the Legislative Council and the general public would like to see the commencement of the retrofitting of APGs as soon as possible. MTR has devised a works programme and is committed to completing the retrofitting works on schedule. Main features of the programme are as follows :

(i)  to proceed with the tendering process in 2008, including defining the works requirement and assessment of tender submissions;

(ii) to complete the design for the entire project within 2009.  Preliminary design will be carried out in the first two quarters with the contractor proposing the overall works programme, resource planning, construction proposal and how the APGs will interface with the signalling system and civil works. Detailed design will be completed in the third and fourth quarters with the contractor proposing detailed plans including works programme and interfacing design of the APGs for each station for approval by the Corporation;

(iii) from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2010, prototype demonstration on site will be arranged. The contractor will produce prototype according to detailed design specification and demonstrate its compliance with required safety and reliability standards in factory environment;

(iv) the manufacturing process will take place between 2010 and 2011. The contractor will order materials, carry out production, assembly and testing, and make modifications as required. In parallel, trial installation will commence at Heng Fa Chuen Station in the third to fourth quarters of 2010. The Corporation will conduct review on the trial installation in the first quarter of 2011, including the review of work sequence, noise mitigation measures, singalling interface etc and seek modifications and improvements as required; and

(v)  in the second quarter of 2011 to the fourth quarter of 2012, MTR will complete the installation, testing and commissioning of APGs at all 8 stations progressively.

    The Corporation expects the entire project to be completed by 2012.

    Past experience from works project shows that initial preparation including design, testing etc are essential to a smooth rollout of the later stages of works. Upon completion of the critical processes of design and testing, MTR will complete the retrofitting of APG at all 8 stations within two years. The installation works have to be carried out during the very tight non-operating hours between 2am and 5am so that disruption to railway service could be minimised. As the works involve modifications to the platform structure at at-grade or aboveground stations which are non-enclosed, the Corporation will also have to implement temporary mitigation measures such as erecting portable noise barriers during the works, to mitigate possible noise nuisance caused to nearby residents. This would inevitably further reduce the time available for the installation works every night. 

    We understand that Members would like to see an early completion of the project. The Government will continue to closely monitor the progress of the retrofitting works.

(b)  To ensure passenger safety, MTR has put in place safety measures that are also adopted by railway operators worldwide. These include :

(i)  yellow line painted along the platform edges to draw passengers' attention;

(ii) public announcements are broadcast to advise passengers on approaching trains and remind them to stand behind the yellow lineˇF

(iii) CCTV cameras are installed at station platforms to facilitate effective platform monitoring and management;

(iv) safety messages are broadcast at platforms and inside trains to remind passengers;

(v)  passenger help lines and emergency train stop buttons are available for emergency use;

(vi) station staff and additional platform assistants are deployed to manage passenger traffic flow, maintain order and provide assistance to passengers at platforms especially during peak hours and times with heavy passenger flow; and

(vii) adequate communication and control facilities at control centres and platform supervisor booths to enhance capabilities in preventing and handling incidents.

    MTR will also continue with its publicity and education programmes to enhance the overall safety awareness of the passengers.

Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06

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