Welcoming the establishment of the MTR Academy

The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) announced yesterday the establishment of the MTR Academy and the appointment of Mr Morris Cheung as the inaugural President. I welcome the news and would like to congratulate both the MTRCL and Mr Cheung.

In my Policy Address delivered early this year, I pointed out that an MTR academy would be established to train personnel in rail management and operation so as to raise the quality of local and regional rail services. I also mentioned that the plan would further the development of the local transport professional services and support the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hong Kong's railway management standard is well recognised by the international community. Take Crossrail in the United Kingdom (UK) as an example. This 118-kilometre rail line is under construction and is expected to commence full operation in 2019. With 40 stations and a carrying capacity of 200 million passengers per year, this new railway is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. Upon completion, it will be operated by the MTRCL. Beyond the UK, a similar case is found in Sweden. Since the MTRCL took over the metro system in Stockholm, both customer and staff satisfaction rates have improved remarkably. The company even won the Swedish Quality Award in 2014.

During my trips to Sweden two years ago and the UK last year, I visited sites managed by the MTRCL. As a Hong Kong citizen, I feel proud of the MTRCL's achievements.

In Hong Kong, the current-term Government has endorsed the new Railway Development Strategy. Our railway network will be more comprehensive and convenient in the future.

May 14, 2016