MTR fans queue to become first to use Sai Ying Pun station

Excited Sai Ying Pun residents and transport enthusiasts made an early start yesterday to be among the first to hop aboard the MTR network at its latest station.

The gates opened at Sai Ying Pun station at around 5.40am, with the first MTR trains arriving shortly afterwards. The opening means the West Island Line is fully operational, three months after the first trains to the new Kennedy Town and University of Hong Kong stations went into service.

Poor soil conditions hampered work at some of the exits to Sai Ying Pun station, and exit B3, at Ki Ling Lane, will not open until the end of the year.

"With the opening of Sai Ying Pun station, much more convenience will be brought to residents of the entire Western District," MTR operations director Dr Jacob Kam Chak-pui said at the opening ceremony.

Extra staff were deployed to help travellers, though there were a few opening-day hiccups, including a malfunctioning screen door on one platform.

The new station has sparked investment in the area but also prompted concerns about higher rents and the loss of its traditional character.