High-speed maiden trip off to hasty start
THE launch of the new high-speed through-train from Guangzhou turned into a public relations debacle yesterday when senior cadres put sticking to the timetable before the comfort of their guests.
The more than 150 passengers and reporters were left unattended on the platform of Guangzhou Railway Station for about 10 minutes, apparently due to late arrival of some guests, before being led to the venue of the ceremony.
To make up for the delay, a 20-member band hurriedly started performing thunderously as officiating guests delivered their speeches on the platform. Only the odd word could be heard from the floor.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the train, too, was rushed to ensure that the inaugural departure of the train would not be delayed.
Cadres gave a thumbs-up as guests were ushered into their designated compartments for the two-hour journey to Hong Kong.
The high-speed train, which operates from today, reduces travelling time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong on a through train by 39 minutes. It also costs more at $250.
The high-speed service will replace two of the existing services at 9.50 am (Guangzhou-bound) and 4.50 pm (Kowloon-bound).
KCR heavy rail director Ian McPherson said he expected the service to bring back some of the passengers lost to ferries and buses.
'The introduction of the high-speed through train will enable us to enhance our competitive edge and hence stabilise and further expand our market share,' he said.
Last year about 2.6 million passengers took the through-train between Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
