TAC briefed on measures by MTRCL to cope with large-scale public order events
*****************************************************************************
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (December 17) on the measures and train service arrangements implemented by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to cope with large-scale public order events since June this year.
The Government regulates the MTRCL to provide safe railway services. Relevant government departments and the MTRCL have been closely monitoring public order events and conducted comprehensive and thorough risk assessment. In response to recent and continuous vandalism of station facilities, which has disrupted normal train operation and threatened the safety of MTRCL staff and passengers, the MTRCL has to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and the railway. Moreover, in response to recent public order events, the MTRCL has strengthened its related manpower and installed and strengthened various facilities at stations in order to enhance station security.
To ensure the safety of the railway, the relevant government departments have been in close communication with the MTRCL and have requested the MTRCL to take all necessary corresponding actions, including conducting safety risk assessments of railway stations, facilities and operations; reviewing existing designs, procedures and arrangements for handling emergencies; and making necessary improvements and conducting drills to address possible situations and minimise the possible impact on the safety of railway operations due to public order events.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members noted the major principles governing train service arrangements during large-scale public order events, and learnt that the relevant government departments and the MTRCL would, with safety being the top priority, continue to assess the risk of upcoming public order events, make suitable operating arrangements and provide safe services to the public as far as practicable. Members welcomed the measures taken by the MTRCL to enhance station security in order to protect the safety of passengers and MTR staff, and expressed views on such measures."
Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:57
Issued at HKT 16:57
NNNN