About 2.8 million commuters will enjoy lower fares from December 2 when Hong Kong's two rail companies merge. Annual fare concessions are expected to reach $600 million.

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation's Marketing & Station Business General Manager Jeny Yeung said Octopus smart card users will see fare reductions, with more than half enjoying a 5% saving.

All adult Octopus cardholders will pay 20 cents less per trip minimum, while long-distance fares at $12 or above will be cut by at least 10%. There will be a minimum 5% reduction for medium-distance fares of $8.50 to $11.90.

"Passengers taking certain long-distance trips can save up to $35%, like those travelling from Tin Shui Wai to Sha Tin who currently pay $23.30, they will save $8.20 after the merger," Ms Yeung said.

Interchange change

With the removal of second boarding charge, passengers interchanging between the Mass Transit Railway and Kowloon-Canton Railway networks will have fares cut by up to $7.

Single-journey fares for long and medium-distance rides will also be reduced, and concessions for interchanging will be offered within a year.

Fare cuts also apply to concessionary Octopus cardholders. The elderly can enjoy a $2 flat fare on Sundays and public holidays for one year.

The reductions do not apply to cross-boundary trips for Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau, the Airport Express, the Light Rail Transit and MTR buses in North West Transit Service Area.

Station renamed

MTRC Corporate Relations General Manager Miranda Leung said some lines and stations will be renamed, such as KCR Mong Kok Station which will change to MTR Mong Kok East Station.

About 147,500 signs, logos and passenger information displays will be changed at 82 MTR stations and 68 LRT stations in five weeks.

New fare tables are now available at MTR and KCR stations. More than 200 customer service ambassadors will be recruited to help passengers when the merger starts.

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