Hong Kong’s MTR Corp to deploy free buses and 1,000 staff for July 28 works at 4 stations

Trains will not stop at Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Ho Man Tin stations on Kwun Tong line as firm carries out unprecedented upgrades

Reading Time:2 minutes

The MTR Corp says the upgrade must be conducted during the day as the work is much larger than regular repairs and maintenance. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 3:02pm, 23 Jul 2024Updated: 4:42pm, 23 Jul 2024

Hong Kong’s rail operator will offer free shuttle buses, deploy 1,000 staff and implement crowd control measures to help passengers affected by suspended services at four stations on Sunday in the first extensive equipment upgrade in the company’s 45-year history.

The MTR Corporation said on Tuesday that it aimed to ensure Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Ho Man Tin stations on the Kwun Tong line resumed normal operation on Monday, the following day.

“We have different checkpoints to monitor the construction progress and whether we can resume train services the next day,” said Cheris Lee Yuen-ling, the MTR Corp’s chief of operating and metro segment.

The company said it would update residents on Sunday and would not leave them unprepared for arrangements on Monday.

The 28-hour service suspension is part of the firm’s railway asset maintenance plan, in which it is spending HK$65 billion (US$8.3 billion) over a five-year period until 2027 to upgrade facilities and make use of technology to improve standards.

Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei stations will still be open for trains running on the Tsuen Wan line on Sunday, while those on the Tuen Ma route will still serve Ho Man Tin station.