The new Ngong Ping 360 cable car on Lantau will shut when typhoon signal number 3 is hoisted, which might 'marginally affect' business, the attraction's management says.
Skyrail-ITM said its previous policy was to close the ride only during a signal 8, which indicates gale or storm force winds blowing in Victoria Harbour.
'At typhoon signal number 3, we will stop loading passengers and take the cabins offline,' Bill Calderwood, managing director said, adding the cars would be stored at the Tung Chung terminal. 'This may marginally affect the days of operation ... This is more conservative than in the past.'
Wind speed is monitored at six stations along the 5.7km route of the ride, which connects Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. Wind speeds are also recorded by the Observatory at Ngong Ping and at the airport in Chek Lap Kok.
The ride suffered minor damage when Typhoon Prapiroon approached on August 2. Repairs and tests delayed the opening date again, from late August to September. The attraction was originally scheduled to launch on June 24.
The first delay was due to technical problems resulting from a computer glitch which affected spacing between the car cabin, friction on the conveyor rail and a cable car parking area gate. Mr Calderwood said these issues were resolved and an independent company accredited by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has given the ride 'a clean bill of health'.