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Passengers wait for the train to stop on the East Rail line platform of Kowloon Tong MTR station in August 2020. Photo: Sam Tsang

Letters | MTR East Rail line commuters need better protection at stations

  • East Rail line stations still lack screen doors to prevent accidents or extended roofs to protect commuters from the elements
With reference to your editorial “Opening of Tuen Ma line light at end of scandal-hit tunnel” (June 28), we would like to point out that, despite the accomplishments of the MTR in expanding the city’s railway network, the East Rail line stations are still without screen doors.

According to the Transport Department, 19 commuters were killed in “passenger-on-track incidents” from 2016 to 2019. The MTR Corporation must not delay any longer on the installation of screen doors for these stations, as their timely commissioning can save lives.

In addition, during heavy rain, passengers often get wet while waiting to board at East Rail stations because of the limited cover provided by the platform roof. In response to inquiries, the Transport Department said the MTR is not planning to extend the roof, given the importance of maintaining a safe and acceptable distance between the extended roof and the overhead power line.

We urge the MTR to develop a creative engineering solution so the platform roof can be extended safely for the comfort of passengers.

Vrushank Varia and Tin Yau Li, Kowloon Tong

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