Operations of Ma On Shan Rail generally smooth this morning

Operations of Ma On Shan Rail (MOSR) and other public transport services was generally smooth during morning peak hours on the first working day after its official opening.

The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre was activated at 5.30 this morning (December 22) to monitor transport and traffic conditions and to maintain close liaison with Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation and the bus companies.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, this morning inspected the new rail service and the relevant transport facilities at City One and Tai Wai Stations.

"I wanted to observe the transport facilities, the taxi pick up and drop off points, ticketing machines, the signage and so on," Mr Footman said. "I have also looked around Tai Wai Station to see how the interchange works between the Ma On Shan Rail and the East Rail for the morning commuters."

"The design concept of the interchange from the Ma On Shan Rail to the East Rail, which directs commuters to the front and the back of the train, works quite smoothly. The other thing we have seen is the quite high frequency of trains," he said.

The Transport Department also deployed officers at strategic locations to observe traffic and pedestrian flows this morning. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor MOSR and other public transport services in the coming days.

Ends/Wednesday, December 22, 2004