Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (January 14) on the service resumption of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) West Kowloon Control Point and the XRL Hong Kong Section from tomorrow (January 15):
 
Reporter: There was chaos at the station as many people were queuing for the tickets. Are you worried about the situation on the opening day as well?
 
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: I am confident that the situation tomorrow would be much better. MTR will deploy additional staff to provide assistance to passengers in, for example, checking the PCR (polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid) test results, as well as the health declaration e-form which is required by the Mainland side. I am confident that through these efforts the situation tomorrow will be much better.
 
Reporter: How's the allocation of tickets online and onsite? What is the rationale behind making separate quotas for them? Will it be unfair for some passengers?
 
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: I think the allocation of tickets for sale in the West Kowloon Station is reasonable because that will serve some of the passengers who are not familiar with the online app or online sale. This will provide an alternative for those passengers who use a conventional way to buy the tickets, and through the various counters, and self-service stations inside the station. I think this will provide an alternative for those passengers who are in need of such services.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese version of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, January 14, 2023
Issued at HKT 13:38

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