MTR suspends open-air services leaving some stranded
Train services on exposed, open-air sections were halted, while underground lines maintained limited operations. Photo: RTHK
Dozens of commuters were stranded at Kowloon Tong Station on Sunday, after strong winds associated with Typhoon Wipha led the Observatory to issue the Increasing Gale Signal No.9 at 7.20 am before raising it to the maximum No. 10 Hurricane Signal two hours later.
Once the No.9 Signal is issued, MTR train services on exposed and open-air sections are suspended. That includes East Rail Line services to the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border crossings. Underground lines maintain limited operations.
"I already know that the weather here isn't going to be good, so I didn't plan a longer stay here. Just to stay a couple of days to meet some friends. It's just maybe I am so lucky that I get this severe weather. I haven't come up with an idea yet. It is what it is," said a woman surnamed Wang, who was struggling with her luggage.
A passenger surnamed Lin said she had hit a dead end trying to return to the mainland. As hotel prices soared, she said she was desperate to leave.
"I'm completely overwhelmed. We can't get back! Our flight was scheduled for this morning but last night we were informed that it would be cancelled. Then we thought we could take the High Speed Rail to Shenzhen instead but those train services are suspended too. We have no choice," she said.
The Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express, Light Rail, and all MTR bus services also ceased operations. All morning trips and some of the afternoon trips for High Speed Rail train services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the mainland were cancelled or had their departing station changed.
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