As the company responsible for the operation of the Airport Express, the MTR Corporation would like to take the opportunity to respond to the comments raised by M. R. Leung of Pokfulam (South China Morning Post, March 6), concerning the provision of tourist information in our system.
Similar to the suggestion made by Mr Leung, leaflets containing tourist information are available at customer service centres of all Airport Express stations. However, we do not ask train ambassadors to distribute these leaflets on the train, as we require them to concentrate on providing assistance to passengers on board and assuming the safety responsibility to ensure the passageway is free of any luggage and the luggage is properly secured in the rack.
Concerning the language ability of these train ambassadors, as Mr Leung has noted, they do speak fluent Cantonese and English and have a fairly good command of Putonghua, which we consider sufficient to enable them to communicate with the vast majority of Airport Express passengers. Some train ambassadors also speak additional languages which are indicated on their name badge.
As regards location maps showing neighbouring buildings at Hong Kong Station, there are currently two such maps located near the main entrances of the station at the in-town-check-in hall level. These will, of course, be revised and updated as the adjacent area further develops.
I hope we have answered some of Mr Leung's concerns.
MIRANDA LEUNG Corporate Relations Manager MTR Corporation
