The Environment, Transport & Works Bureau has approved the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation's shift to manual operation to reduce pressure when train brakes are applied.

The move will add 1.5 minutes to the journey time from Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu, and cut the frequency from 24 trains per hour to 23 during morning rush hours.

The Transport Department said if needed, special arrangements will be implemented to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

KCRC Chairman Michael Tien said the shift from the automatic train operation system to manual will reduce the loading on cracked equipment underneath trains. The KCRC will inspect the equipment nightly.