MTR and KCRC merger all set

sbst275 SG

All set for Dec

Novawin SG

It would be better if you can post the source link here. Rolling Eyes

C751B SG

The two companies merge today. All the KCR services have passed to MTR.
Please visit the new MTR website for details:
http://www.mtr.com.hk/

......
And should SBST's NEL and LRT pass to SMRT?
Then we don't need to pass any fare gates at the interchanges
and the service would be improved.

NickL_C151 SG

Originally posted by C751B:
And should SBST's NEL and LRT pass to SMRT?
Then we don't need to pass any fare gates at the interchanges
and the service would be improved.[/b]

You already dunnid to pass through wad... Just walk the super-long path...

I-like-flings(m) SG

yap already merged lah...game over for KCR... over 100 yrs of history gone.. sighz..... Crying or Very sad

RIP KCR

sbst275 SG

But the electricfication of East Rail only completed in 1983 for mass transit purposes Laughing

Aha, MTR is also a bus operator liao

sbst275 SG

Services dun think will improve

I dun even think the 5% - 35% fare deduction would ever occur here Laughing

Scania SG

MTR's name is now gang tie (pin yin), no more di tie.

From my own observation, on the first day, all of the KCR trains have their KCR logo removed and a MTR sticker pased in front where the KCR sticker used to be.

Last KCR train as reported on their local news left East TST at 12:15am for Lo Wu with a small farewell party at 12:15am at East TST.

MTR is giving discounts for transfer passengers (currently they need to exit the MTR side and then enter the ex-KCR side, next time fare gates would be removed for transfer) at Kowloon Tong, East TST, Nam Cheong, Mei Foo, the discounted fare would be permnanment. KMB also started discounts on the same day to their passengers in order to lure passngers from the MTR to their buses.

Scania SG

Also, a few days before the merger, the annoucemnets for MTR lines were changed, Tsuen Wan Line’s Mei Foo station annoucement was made by the motorman himself on Saturday, cos the merger was not official until Sunday, therefore, he cannot play the updated one.

sbst275 SG

But former KCRC West Rail -> NWFB West Kowloon transfer terminated on the same day

KMB that one is add on... The interchange scheme has been on for quite some time le

I wonder wat's going to happen to the East Rail feeder rts incl K16 since the service is contracted to KMB

Scania SG

Eh sorry, KMB one is for 11 transfers starting from Sunday, MTR feeder (renamed ma) buses run as normal, there is a new MTR bus guide.

sbst275 SG

I mean that scheme

It's actually an extended one... That interchange transfer has been around

Some are like the Tai Lam Tunnel Interchange Scheme

KCRC Light Rail Bus are runned by KCRC then... East Rail feeders are leased to KMB

Scania SG

Yes, they have the KMB sticker by the side.

Scania SG

I must say that I’m impressed by the MTR, even their refurb 1980 MCW (predecessor of Alstom) trains look new a few years after their refurb. Annoucements are in 3 languages even though their lingua-franca is Cantonese.

CAIX SG

omg so fast! I am going to Hong Kong next week to take then they merged already. So anything for me to look out?

Scania SG

Nothing much had changed besides them giivng discounts for MTR-Ex-KCR Transfers until the fare gates between these two systems are removed. All KCR logos on the ex-KCR sections are disappearing fast, maybe you can check out the clocks as they still bear the KCR logo.

Otherwise, minor changes to annoucements, the KCR door closing beep (which continues for 20 seconds after the door has closed) is still around.

One thing, if you are not rushing for time, take the Star Ferry from Central (Pier 7 at Central) to Tsim Sha Tsui or the other way round, don't take the MTR or the cross habour buses, the Star Ferry is much cheaper and is just 5 mins walk from Central MTR and TST MTR, lower deck is cheaper than upper deck, though its not as pleasant a ride as the upper deck. However, if you are coming/going beyond Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, take the train.

CAIX SG

Thanks but its my 4th visit to HK already Laughing . But good advice for those first timers. Ya not much changes actually on the merger, but there goes the 100 years old KCR. Sad. They released a book on the KCR 100 years entitled "A century of commitment, The KCRC story". Bought it at HK $188 @ the commercial press bookshop. Will share some videos on my joyride on MTR and KCR after i convert into my comp.

CAIX SG

~~-Sorry, Duplicated~~-

TIB1018B SG

If Hong Kong can merge their rail operators together, Singapore should also merge all their MRT/LRT lines under one railway company.

Reason behind: Cos Singapore government wants Monopoly.

Noticed that KL had also merged their STAR and PUTRA lines under RAPID KL, together with a new RAPID KL bus system. But still not good enough. KL railway mentality: My business, your business. From LRT change to KTM Komuter or monorail lines need to pass thru fare gates and buy tickets all over again. Very troublesome... Mad Furthermore should consider building a better subway link especially between KL Sentral to the KL Sentral monorail station.

C751B SG

The monorail station will be relocated into KTM KL Sentral station, if the plan isn't postponed or suspended.