Hundreds of exciting rail commuters and enthusiasts in Hong Kong rushed to board the first of the newly acquired trains constructed on the mainland on Sunday, Nov. 27.
These trains will eventually replace the first-generation trains that have been in use for over four decades.
Inauguration
At 9:00 AM on Sunday, many devoted rail fans showed up at Choi Hung station to cheer on the new Q-train while decked up in costumes and toting decorations like carriage models and homemade posters.
They swarmed inside the cars as soon as the doors opened so they could capture the moment on film.
One fan, whose surname is Choi, talked to South China Morning Post (SCMP) and expressed their thrill and anticipation. They got to the station as early as 7:00 AM to be ready for the first journey on the Q-train.
On the Kwun Tong line, the brand-new eight-car train operated till 12:45 PM.
Elvis Leung, a young fan of the railway, seemed to have the good fortune to board the final new train of the day at the Wong Tai Sin station as he hurried from Yuen Long immediately after class.
"When I arrived at the platform, the train had just arrived. I am super excited. The new train is brighter and more spacious, but the old train carries Hong Kong's memory," Leung stated.
"Although I was born after the 2000s, I can still feel that the memory of Hong Kong will disappear along with the retirement of the old trains."
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As Replacement
To get rid of all of the first-generation trains constructed in Britain that were used on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, and Tseung Kwan O lines, the MTR Corporation went out and bought 93 trains with eight cars each. These mainland trains were made in mainland China, as per SCMP's report.
On Tuesday, Nov. 22, MTR Corp announced that by next year, all 13 of the Kwun Tong line's first-generation trains would be retired. These trains are now about 40 years old.
Isaac Presley, 14, said that although he appreciated the vintage and nostalgia of the older trains, he preferred the quieter ride on the newer models.
He said the noise the old trains make bothers him a little, but he does not mind the sound of the Q-trains.
Upgrades
Based on reports, the Q-trains have passenger seating that is more ergonomically designed, with bigger entrances, passenger poles with twin branches, and additional belts.
In addition, LED lighting has been placed in train compartments, and "smart servers" have been installed to enable real-time remote monitoring of crucial components while the train is in operation.
An elderly gentleman named Li was traveling with his seven-year-old grandson and praised the new seats.
Li remarked, "Seats are wider in the new train. My back feels more comfortable. They are also more spacious and they can accommodate a few adults."
Another traveler who identified herself only as Michelle noted that the newer train was equipped with additional straps, eliminating the need for people to scramble for them.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Trisha Kae Andrada
