TAC briefed on operating arrangements for Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (September 18) by the Government on the operating arrangements for the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL).

     The XRL will commence operation on September 23. It will connect with the national high-speed rail network, offering direct trains to 44 destinations. During the early stage of commissioning of the XRL, there will be 114 pairs of short-haul trains daily during peak periods. As for weekdays and weekends (i.e. Friday to Sunday), there will be 70 and 82 train pairs respectively. Subject to the market demand, the train schedule can be adjusted based on patronage. There will also be 13 pairs of direct long-haul trains daily.

     The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Members note that the XRL will not only provide a faster and more convenient means of cross-boundary transport to and from the Mainland for people in Hong Kong, but also strengthen links between Hong Kong and the Mainland. It will foster commercial and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and major cities in the Mainland. As an important part of transport network with high connectivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the XRL will enhance the strategic role of Hong Kong as the regional transport hub. With more and more Hong Kong people working, conducting business, studying and retiring in the Mainland, the commissioning of the XRL can enhance long-term development opportunities for promoting sustainable growth in trades including tourism, commerce and professional services, which will bring out enormous economic and social benefits."

     The TAC was briefed on the train schedule for short-haul and long-haul services, fares and ticket purchase arrangements, traffic and public transport arrangements to and from the West Kowloon Station, station facilities and more. In addition, the TAC Members also noted that the Government, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) have signed legal documents to vest the land or interests or other rights in respect of land for the operation of the XRL, and assigned the movable assets of the XRL to the KCRC. The KCRC has formally granted the operating right of the XRL to the MTRCL for 10 years according to the Supplemental Service Concession Agreement.