Transcript of remarks by STH

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at a media session after attending radio programmes today (August 25):

Reporter: At which point and time would you consider offering concessions or discounts for passengers? And many people are concerned about the transparency of the MTR. How will the Government ensure the safety of the rail?

Secretary for Transport and Housing: In terms of preferential treatment or discount in terms of train fare, I would expect the MTR (Corporation) would liaise very closely with our counterparts in the Mainland to suitably adjust the fare in a timely manner so as to make the best use of the high-speed rail as the high-speed rail in the Mainland China has been nearly used to its capacity.  It’s for all reason that we should ensure the Hong Kong Section (of the high-speed rail) as well as the connection to the Mainland cities be best used to optimise the limited resources for the benefit of Hong Kong and for passengers.

Reporter: And in respect of transparency…

Secretary for Transport and Housing:  In respect of the transparency of operation safety, I would expect the MTR (Corporation) to timely and openly report to the public and to the Government if there is anything they find a little bit unusual or not in order because that is the expectation and aspiration of the Hong Kong community as well as the Government. Safety is of prime importance as far as railway operation is concerned.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)