I refer to the letter by Mary Painter headlined 'Incessant television is unacceptable' (South China Morning Post, January 16).
The KCR Corporation launched its new generation of ultra-modern trains in September 2001. All the new train cars are equipped with passenger information display systems which can provide real-time information and entertainment programmes.
To provide a value-added service in the form of a variety of news and entertainment programmes as well as to broaden our non-fare revenue base, the corporation plans to provide on-board advertisement and infotainment programmes, with sound, on all trains.
We value every passenger's comments on the broadcast arrangement. We conducted two passenger surveys and one simulation exercise on our trains between 2001 and 2002.
The results showed that the majority of passengers are receptive to the display of infotainment and adverts on trains. Members of our Passenger Liaison Group were also consulted about the display systems.
In order to meet the needs of different passengers, we plan to introduce 'quiet zones' on all trains so that people can have a choice of moving to some coaches which are not equipped with an audio broadcast. The volume of the noise will also be set at a comfortable level.