A task force has been set up to follow up on the “metroisation” of short haul services of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) to allow passengers to have more flexibility in arranging their travel plans.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung made the remark today in his reply to a legislator’s question on XRL ticketing matters and pointed out that under the “metroisation” arrangement, ticket holders may flexibly alter the tickets to any other trains travelling to or from the same Mainland destination on the same day.

He indicated that the MTR Corporation (MTRC) and the relevant Mainland railway authorities have already set up a task force to follow up on the matter.

Apart from liaising closely with the MTRC, the Government will study and discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities about taking forward the proposal.

The aim, Mr Lam explained, is to further enhance the flexibility of XRL services and facilitate the efficient movement of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The transport chief noted that the Government, along with the MTRC, will also explore with the relevant Mainland authorities the feasibility of introducing different ticket types, such as monthly passes, to provide convenience to passengers who frequently use the XRL.

The XRL service operation and passengers’ demand will be duly taken into account when considering the matter, he added.

Addressing a related question on “standee” tickets, Mr Lam said when considering the provision of such tickets on short haul cross-boundary XRL trains, the relevant regulations on railway operation and safety in the Mainland and Hong Kong must be studied.

Other factors that need to be considered involve train speed, operating situation of relevant rail sections, emergency handling as well as train type and design, such as the availability of handrails for passengers standing in the compartments and restrictions on train load.

In addition to emphasising that the safety of railway operations and passengers are of paramount importance, Mr Lam said the Government will continue to explore with the relevant Mainland railway authorities together with the MTRC options to enhance cross-boundary XRL services.