On a sunny day of 8 August 2018, a field study was organized by EMSD for our EMYA members who are interested in the mass transport system in Hong Kong.
Tai Wai station is an interchange station on the East Rail Line and the Tuen Ma Line. Under the planning, all carrying capacities of 4 branch lines – originally varying from 4-car to 12-car configuration - will be aligned into a standard specification of 8-car fleets in phases (except East Rail Line with an additional First-class compartment) via re-allocation, retrofitting or new purchase.
In preparation for the transition, works such as construction of extended platform, setting up of signal system, and installation of automatic Platform Edge Doors (PED) etc. have to be carefully designed and could be carried out only within the extremely tight 2-hour timeframe every late night between all trains stop service after mid-night and regular check before dawn, bringing the least interruption.
Mr. Yip explained the most common two types of platforms are Island platform and Side platform, where trains run in the directions of “Left Up Right Down” with the only exception of Tuen Ma Line which goes the opposite ways, in corresponding with the existing design of Tai Wai station under East Rail Line. For the safety sake, half-height PED measuring 1.7m tall have been in place, and to ensure the sturdiness any existing platforms had to be reinforced prior to installing the new doors, he added.
The group then went on a ride of two stops and arrived Sun Tin Wai Station. Mr. Yip showed the ways to differentiate the newly built from existing platforms, variation of appearance amongst country of origins where the trains are manufactured, as well as that of interior designs.
The high temperature in the afternoon did not deter the enthusiastic E&M ambassadors from bringing up lots of questions and discussion. They were curious about switching of rail tracks, load voltage, diversion of passenger as a result of changes in number of car and commonly seen special devices etc. Responded with Mr. Yip’s professional and detailed illustration, they all found this field trip informative and full of fun.
EMSD is the regulatory authority on railway safety in Hong Kong. The Railways Branch strives to oversee and monitors the operation of the railway system in providing safe journeys for everyday commuters.
