Launch date set for Hong Kong MTR’s new South Island Line
Long-awaited train line opening will see all 18 districts reached with some 170,000 people served per day
The new MTR extension linking the southern part of Hong Kong Island to Admiralty will open on December 28, according to the corporation’s senior officials.
Announcing the launch date yesterday, MTR Corporation chief executive Lincoln Leong Kwok-kuen said he hoped the new line would enhance development of the southern districts and boost convenience for commuters.
“With the opening of the South Island Line, MTR’s railway service will reach all 18 districts of Hong Kong. Passengers can enjoy more seamless and convenient journeys as they travel to different corners of the city,” he said during a tour of the expanded Admiralty station.
The stop also serves as an interchange station for several other lines.
“We chose December 28 because it is between two big holidays and all schools will be closed. We [expect] passenger traffic to be less than that of normal weekdays,” Leong added.
The HK$16.5 billion line, operated with driverless three-carriage trains, will run from South Horizons in Ap Lei Chau to Admiralty via new stations at Lei Tung, Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park. It is expected to serve some 170,000 people per day.
