Chan Mei-po Inspects High-Speed Rail Station Ahead of Golden Week Peak
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Transport and Logistics Secretary Chan Mei-po conducted an on-site inspection at the West Kowloon Station of the High-Speed Rail on the morning of October 1, 2026, as mainland China's National Day Golden Week kicked off and large numbers of visitors arrived via rail. Chan noted that 120 train pairs are expected to arrive throughout the day, with passenger throughput through the station projected to exceed 130,000 . The government has implemented crowd management measures including additional signage and staff deployed to assist travelers . Authorities are also testing an autonomous vehicle service linking the station with the Airport Express Kowloon Station, with aspirations for 24-hour operation to achieve seamless air-rail integration .
Key Points
- High-speed rail services are expecting 120 train pairs to arrive at West Kowloon Station on October 1, with over 130,000 passenger movements anticipated .
- The station has implemented crowd management measures, installed clearer directional signage, and deployed additional staff to handle traveler inquiries and maintain order .
- The MTR Corporation and Airport Authority are jointly testing autonomous vehicle shuttle services in the West Kowloon area connecting the high-speed rail station to Airport Express Kowloon Station .
- The government aims for the autonomous vehicle service to operate 24 hours daily, creating an "air-rail integration" effect for travelers moving between the airport and railway hub .
- Real-time traffic monitoring will be conducted at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Port to manage increased self-drive traffic from Guangdong during the holiday period .
Why It Matters
The Golden Week period represents a critical opportunity for Hong Kong's tourism and retail sectors, as these high-speed rail and self-drive visitors are characterized as high-end consumers and overnight tourists who contribute significantly to the local economy . The successful implementation of crowd management and the planned 24-hour autonomous vehicle service could establish a new model for air-rail connectivity that enhances Hong Kong's position as a transportation hub .
The Golden Week period represents a critical opportunity for Hong Kong's tourism and retail sectors, as these high-speed rail and self-drive visitors are characterized as high-end consumers and overnight tourists who contribute significantly to the local economy . The successful implementation of crowd management and the planned 24-hour autonomous vehicle service could establish a new model for air-rail connectivity that enhances Hong Kong's position as a transportation hub .