LCQ18 :Air quality inside train compartments regularly monitored

Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong Wah and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (March 19) :

Question:

Regarding the air quality and temperatures in train compartments, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

(a) relevant data of the two railway corporations' regular measurements of the air quality and temperatures in train compartments;

(b) the respective numbers of complaints or reports received by the two railway corporations in the past three years from passengers who claimed that the stuffy air inside train compartments made them sick; and

(c) whether the air quality and temperatures in train compartments have been affected by refurbishing works carried out by the MTR Corporation Limited in some of its stations; if so, of the details?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) have in place air-conditioning and ventilation systems inside train compartments and within stations to maintain optimal air flow and temperature. Air quality inside train compartments is regularly monitored by the corporations according to clear guidelines. The average temperature inside East Rail and Light Rail trains is about 22 degrees Celsius while temperature inside MTR train compartments is maintained generally at or below 26 degrees Celsius. The two railway corporations are now working closely with the Environmental Protection Department on a practice note for managing air quality in air-conditioned public transport facilities.

During the last three years, KCRC did not receive any complaint or report on passengers feeling sick due to air quality inside train compartments. MTRCL received one case whereby a passenger who was sick alleged that he was not feeling well because of poor ventilation inside a train. MTR staff provided assistance to the passenger immediately on the spot. The ventilation system of the train concerned was then checked and confirmed to be functioning normally.

Station improvement and renovation works are being implemented in some MTR stations with a view to providing passengers with an improved travelling environment. Suspension of or alternation to part of the equipment may be required. For example, during the retrofitting of platform screen doors, the Environmental Control System of the station will have to be modified and the air quality inside the station may be slightly affected, i.e. temperature and humidity will be slightly higher. However, MTRCL endeavours to keep the system operating to established standards in order to provide comfortable service for passengers.

End/Wednesday, March 19, 2003

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