HONG KONG, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Asia Pacific Rail conference 2019 opened here on Tuesday with over 2,000 attendees including rail experts and operators from all over the world to share views on railway system operations.
Organized by Terrapinn Pte Ltd, a global events company, the two-day conference aims to address key challenges and opportunities in both mainline and metro that are key to building a smart, efficient and sustainable railway system in the Asia Pacific.
Speaking at the keynote panel session, Jacob Kam, Managing Director (Operations and Mainland Business) of Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Corporation, said that to further increase the passenger capacity, they tried to run more services such as releasing empty trains to clear the platform, and upgrading the signaling system.
Kam said, however, the ultimate solution is the expansion of network, which involves the government's initiative in a more rational development of a city.
He added that Hong Kong is a highly concentrated place and it is important to integrate destinations so as to effectively eliminate the last mile of people's journey. The MTR, for instance, has been working with other public transport players by offering interchange discounts.
BC Yen, President of Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, said financial control is important, adding that they control the cost in all aspects and make a good financial plan for future facilities replacement.
Chua Chong Kheng, Deputy Chief Executive, Infrastructure and Development, Land Transport Authority of Singapore, said that rail is one of the most effective transporters of the mass of people.
The Singapore authority hopes that in the future 95 percent of journeys undertaken by public mobility can be done within 45 minutes; and nine out of 10 journeys are using shared transport or public mobility, Chua said.
"Rail is the most efficient transportation. At the same time, we encourage walking and cycling," Chua said, adding that in Singapore they provide adequate bike parking space to help people build a healthier lifestyle.
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