Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutesOn July 23, 2024, the MTR Corporation announced adjustments to the Kwun Tong Line’s train service scheduled for July 28, 2024, due to significant infrastructure renewal efforts in the tunnels. On this date, the Kwun Tong Line will operate in two sections: between Tiu Keng Leng and Prince Edward stations, and between Ho Man Tin and Whampoa stations. Service between Prince Edward and Ho Man Tin stations will be halted.
On the affected Sunday, Prince Edward Station will serve as the sole transfer point between the Kwun Tong Line and the Tsuen Wan Line. The Tsuen Wan Line will continue to operate normally at Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei stations. Passengers planning to switch lines are advised to use designated platforms at Prince Edward Station, which is expected to experience high traffic and will have crowd control measures in place. Travelers are urged to follow staff directions and heed station signs.
Additionally, the corporation encourages the use of alternate cross-harbor lines, including the Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line, and Tseung Kwan O Line. For those heading to central Kowloon, the Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line are recommended options.
The MTR Corporation will deploy 1,000 staff members across various stations to assist passengers. To further ease travel disruptions, free bus routes No. 8 and No. 30X will be available in partnership with KMB.
Platform and interchange instructions at Prince Edward and relevant stations will differ from usual arrangements. Key details include:
MTR personnel will be prominently displaying large signs throughout the station on July 28, 2024, to guide passengers during the service adjustments on the Kwun Tong Line. To facilitate easy navigation, passengers aiming to transfer to the Tsuen Wan Line should look for signs marked in red, while those transferring to the Kwun Tong Line should follow green signs at relevant platforms. To manage the flow of passengers efficiently, crowd control tactics will be enforced, and the Operations Control Centre will adapt train service intervals in response to real-time conditions. The Corporation requests that passengers remain patient and adhere to the directives provided by staff on-site. For specific details about interchange and platform configurations at stations such as Prince Edward, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei, please refer to the enclosed annex.
Passengers are encouraged to explore alternative travel options and plan their routes in advance using the MTR Mobile app or website, which features a “Trip Planner” tool. Particularly for those traveling at night, it’s advisable to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes to ensure timely arrival for the last trains.
“We expect Prince Edward Station will be very busy on the day and passengers may have to wait longer for trains, lifts and escalators. We recommend passengers to use alternative railway routes and other interchange stations to avoid passing through Prince Edward Station if possible. For passengers crossing the harbour, they can travel on the East Rail Line, Tseung Kwan O Line and Tung Chung Line,” said Ms Cheris Lee, Chief of Operating & Metro Segment of MTR Corporation.
Additionally, in collaboration with KMB, MTR will offer free bus services on routes No. 8 and No. 30X to assist passengers traveling between Yau Ma Tei, Ho Man Tin, and Whampoa. These buses will run every 10 minutes for most of the day without the need for passengers to use their Octopus cards at designated stops.
Throughout this period, MTR has been proactive in communicating these changes via large posters, station announcements, and social media platforms in Hong Kong and mainland China. Information counters are also available at pertinent stations to address any inquiries related to the changes on July 28. Over 1,000 staff members will be stationed at various locations to help passengers navigate the modified services and ensure smooth operations.
MTR maintains a 19-hour daily train service and utilizes a “golden 2-hour window” each night for necessary maintenance and the advancement of new rail projects. Depending on the complexity and risk associated with these projects, some activities may extend into operating hours, requiring careful planning to minimize disruption. The Corporation is committed to keeping passengers informed well in advance to balance maintenance needs with service quality.
MTR appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all passengers during these adjustments and looks forward to resuming regular service on the Kwun Tong Line from the start of operations on July 29, following the completion of the maintenance works.