Minor issues, but new signalling system runs well: MTR

The MTR Corporation on Sunday said there were a few teething problems with its new Tsuen Wan Line signalling system, but that trains were running smoothly in general. The system was in operation for the first day after changes were made overnight. An operating and metro segment deputy director with the railway company, Cheris Lee, said the problems were what they had expected and some 200 staff had been deployed to help. "For example, some trains didn't stop at the exact right spot, and the train captains had to manually drive a little to adjust and get the trains to the train doors. But these incidents are very isolated," she told reporters hours after the new system came online. Lee stressed this shouldn't have much effect on passengers, saying they shouldn't feel the impact of the adjustments. She said for Monday, when the signalling system would be running on the first working day, passengers should take note of the latest train information before they head to school or for work. However, Lee also said the adjustment period could take some time and the firm would closely monitor the situation. Among the contingency plans, she said, would be falling back to the old signalling system. This is the first system change for the MTR's urban lines, and the company plans to complete changes for all of them by 2029. Edited by Tony Sabine