The first of the new trains has passed all testing and commissioning requirements and has been approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government for passenger service. It will initially be run-in during non-peak periods to ensure smooth operations.
“As with any new equipment put into service, teething problems may occur which is why we are initially operating the new train during non-busy hours,” said Chief of Operating Mr Adi Lau. “There may be delays during the initial operation period and we thank passengers for their understanding should they be inconvenienced. We will have extra staff on duty on the train to keep any inconvenience caused to a minimum.”

The new train features curved grab rails at the end of seats to make train compartments more spacious. The lighting design and ventilation systems are improved. For a quieter and more comfortable ride, the sound dampening design of the floor and rubber seals around the door frame will reduce noise coming in from the outside. Four LCD screens in each compartment will provide train service information and Newsline Express service for passengers, with quiet compartments available for those to choose.

City.Mobi

Also in China today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Beijing.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Beijing.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.