Early-morning testing on new MTR line rattles Hong Kong residents
Call for MTR to end excessive noise from 1am trials on South Island Line
The MTR Corporation has been accused of creating excessive noise by testing trains on the new South Island Line after midnight - despite saying it would conduct trials only during the day.
The railway giant said construction of the line, which is expected to be in operation by the end of next year, required trains to be tested at different hours of the day and that it would ensure noise levels fell within environmental protection laws.
However, Sam Chan Dick-sum, who lives in a flat at Ocean Court, near Ap Lei Chau Bridge and the rail line, said the tests started this week and could be heard at around 1am.
"Just imagine going through a tunnel in an MTR train and reduce the noise by half. This is the noise level I have heard," said Chan. "I live above the 20th floor and heard such noise. It won't be hard to imagine the noise people living on lower floors can hear."
Chan said children and elderly people might find the noise unbearable.
There were sections of the line, including at the Ap Lei Chau Bridge, where no noise barriers were built, he said, urging the MTR to set up barriers along these areas.
Kevin Tsui Yuen-wa, a Democratic Party Southern district councillor, said the MTR Corp had told him it would test trains only during the day.