No platform doors, but special measures to ensure no falls on tracks at Hong Kong high-speed rail link terminus, union leader says

It would be next to impossible for passengers to jump or fall onto rail tracks at the Hong Kong high-speed link terminus even without screen doors at station platforms, a workers’ union leader has said.

Citing special measures in place to prevent such incidents, Hong Kong Federation of Railway Trade Unions vice-chairman Tam Kin-chiu made the remarks ahead of the September 23 launch of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-H­ong Kong Express Rail Link. It is expected to serve about 80,000 commuters daily.

All eyes are on whether the much-hyped rail link, which has seen its share of controversies over cost overruns, delays and legalities, would provide smooth and comfortable rides free from accidents or disruptions.

Tam, who conducted a site visit last month at the link’s West Kowloon terminus, told the Post that procedures controlling passenger flows would ensure that trains would already be stationed at the platforms as each batch of commuters came through. As such, there would be no empty tracks for people to fall or jump on.

He added that the 14 platforms on the station’s B4 level where passengers are to wait for trains were also built with a special design. “Each platform is separated from one another without any interconnecting passageway.

“Unlike other train stations, commuters at the high-speed railway cannot casually walk across different platforms. This special arrangement is to safeguard passengers’ safety and the security of the railway.”

Tam added that the MTR Corporation, the rail link operator, did not build screen doors on the platforms because it wanted to “save costs”.