Transcript of remarks by STL on service resumption of XRL Hong Kong Section
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Reporter: What is the Government's expected demand for the express rail link service, given that the cross-boundary demand is perhaps not as strong as the Government originally expected. Second, with the reopening of the high speed rail link, and also stations as well, the trains seemingly covering the stations by the Intercity Through Train service, has the Intercity Through Train service now been cancelled by the MTR? Any response from the Government on this issue? Concerning the ten thousand quota that you mentioned, why did the Government go with this ten thousand ticket quota and also whether or not they would decide to increase the quota later down the line?
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: As for the demand for high speed rail services, I would say that this provides an alternative or an additional mode of transport to facilitate the flow between Mainland and Hong Kong, and that should be welcomed by the general public.
For the second question on the Intercity Through Train services, we have added one more station in Guangzhou East for the high speed rail services. For the resumption of or the way forward on the Intercity Through Train services, we will see how we go with the high speed rail services covering Guangzhou East. We will see the demand and decide the way forward.
On the ten thousand tickets, basically, we have to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the West Kowloon Station together with the CIQ (customs, immigration and quarantine) services, etc. We will review the operation of the rail services. And then we will take into account of the demand, and see how we can increase the number of tickets on a daily basis.
(Please also refer to the Chinese version of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, January 12, 2023
Issued at HKT 13:30
Issued at HKT 13:30
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