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1. Transport Department monitors West Rail's first public trial ride

1. Transport Department monitors West Rail's first public trial ride
Hong Kong Government, 16 December 2003

The Transport Department (TD) activated the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) to monitor the transport and traffic conditions and to maintain close liaison with KCRC and the bus companies, when the West Rail (WR) commenced its trial ride this morning (December 16).

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, this morning took the first train from Tuen Mun Station at 10am to see how the train service operated and to listen to feedback. Mr Footman talked to passengers and toured the Nam Cheong Station before concluding his visit at West Rail. The department also deployed officers at strategic locations to observe the traffic and pedestrian flow.

The department noted that some West Rail passengers were not totally familiar with the new ticket gate and the service information. KCRC staff were deployed to assist passengers at the stations.

The Transport Department will continue to monitor the traffic and transport conditions in North West NT and maintain close liaison with the transport operators to ensure smooth operation of the West Rail.

All WR stations and public transport interchanges are ready to serve passengers. All feeder franchised bus and GMB services are in place, including two new bus routes 701 (Nam Cheong Station - Mong Kok KCR Station) and 971 (Nam Cheong Station - Aberdeen) which were introduced today.

No major changes in the external franchised bus service will be implemented in the first two weeks after the formal commissioning. Then, passengers will be advised on implementation details via announcements of the TD and operators.

The Transport Department reminded the public to allow time to familiarise themselves with the West Rail and to avoid rushing at the last minute to make their journeys.