LCQ10 : Analysis on cases in which passengers entered the track areas of MTRCL
Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (February 4) :
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:
(a) the number of cases in which passengers entered the track areas of MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) without authorisation and the casualty toll concerned in each of the past five years, broken down by the nature of such cases;
(b) the progress on the installation of screen doors by MTRCL at each of its station, and the estimated completion date for the installation of screen doors at all stations; and
(c) the measures MTRCL has in place to safeguard the safety of passengers who wait for trains on platforms not installed with screen doors?
Reply:
Madam President,
The number of cases in which passengers entered the track areas of MTRCL without authorisation and the casualty toll concerned in each of the past five years, broken down by nature of cases, are summarised in Annex.
For the station platforms along the Airport Express Line, Tseung Kwan O Line and Tung Chung Line, screen doors had been installed during the construction stage. As regards the other railway lines, MTRCL first retrofitted screen doors at platforms in use in March 2002, with Tsim Sha Tsui Station as the starting-point. By 2003, platforms have been retrofitted at the following nine stations: Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Shek Kip Mei and Kowloon Tong. According to MTRCL's schedule, 74 platforms in all the 30 underground MTR stations 〔Note 1〕will be retrofitted with platform screen doors by 2006.
MTRCL always considers passenger safety its primary responsibility. Stringent safety standards and safety devices have been built into the MTR system and are strictly adhered to in MTRCL's daily operation. CCTV cameras are installed at every station platform to facilitate effective monitoring and management of platforms. Station Control Room and Platform Supervision Booths are equipped with sufficient communication and control facilities to prevent untoward incidents. Emergency Train Stop Buttons are available along platforms on the pillars or wall panels. Station broadcasting is also used to remind passengers to stand behind the yellow lines at platforms.
In order to cope with the large number of passengers at platforms during peak hours, MTRCL also deploys Platform Assistants to maintain order and keep a close watch over platform conditions.
Appreciating the importance of support and cooperation from passengers in running a safe mass transit system, MTRCL organises platform safety campaigns to enhance passengers' awareness on using the MTR service in a safe manner. Public education pamphlets and safety guides are available in MTR stations. Warning labels and messages are also displayed to keep passengers vigilant.
〔Note 1〕
The 30 underground stations are: Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tin Hau, Fortress Hill, North Point, Quarry Bay, Tai Koo, Sai Wan Ho, Shau kei Wan, Lam Tin, Choi Hung, Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin, Lok Fu, Kowloon Tong, Shek Kip Mei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan, Lai Chi Kok, Mei Foo, Lai King and Tai Wo Hau
Ends/Wednesday, February 04, 2004
