Letters | MTR must speed up signalling system upgrade
- Readers discuss a train service delay, and an unsatisfactory experience with a ferry operator
Early indications suggest that a problem on February 29 at the control centre meant it was unable to manage train operations on those lines and so the rail operator had to switch to a backup system at the stations, resulting in delays. To support both the existing and the new CBTC system and prevent a repeat of such incidents, communication hardware and software must be regularly checked for faults, which can hopefully be done overnight.
It is also worth noting that though the MTR informed passengers of delays, notification can still be improved. Display screens should be installed at station entrances to warn passengers who may not have been aware of delays before entering paid areas, giving them the space to consider alternative modes of transport.
This incident could be an omen of more incidents involving signalling issues on the MTR. To prevent a serious accident, the MTR needs to speed up the improvement of signalling and communication infrastructure.
Koios Pang, Sham Shui Po
Ferry companies have a duty to the public
The government is allocating billions of dollars to ferry operators to support the purchase of new vessels.
I recently took my family to Tung Chung to catch a ferry to Tai O. After waiting for around 20 minutes, the ferry arrived and apparently didn’t have enough seating for everyone so we were simply turned away.
The surly staff member helpfully told us to “take the bus!”.
We were all incredibly disappointed as we had especially looked forward to this part of the trip. I now avoid that ferry company wherever possible. I feel that they, along with a lot of Hong Kong companies, no longer care.
Stuart Brookes, Shek Tong Tsui