The MTR Corporation invited groups representing individuals with disabilities to visit the facilities of the new Q-Train on November 26, 2022, and provide feedback. General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung and member Kitty Chow Kit Yee represented RAHK and asked questions and offered suggestions on various facilities, such as seat design, compartment space, handrail arrangements, multipurpose space design, onboard information displays, lighting brightness, and more.

In-Train Announcements

Previously, visually impaired members have reported that external noise and track friction sounds beneath the train often overshadow in-train announcements, particularly when crossing harbour. General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung inquired about whether the new train design would address this issue. MTR engineers indicated that the new train excels in volume amplification and sound insulation compared to previous trains, which should improve the situation. However, during the trial that day, the train was stationary, so in-motion train announcements could not be tested. Once the train is in service, this will be closely monitored.

Train Platform and Platform Floor Level Differences

Members with mobility issues have expressed concerns about platform and train floor level disparities, which can cause tripping hazards. This issue arises from passenger numbers inside the compartment; when the train is crowded, the platform will lower, but as at stations like Diamond Hill, an interchange station, when a large number of passengers exit the compartment, the weight distribution inside the compartment suddenly changes, causing the floor to rise. After a period, the train undercarriage components will adjust automatically to balance with the platform floor level. General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung inquired further and learned that the new train’s undercarriage components have been increased, improving sensitivity and adjustment speed regarding level differences.

Handrail Rings

Additionally, the new train originally featured blue soft rubber handrail rings, which were inconvenient for gripping. Following a suggestion from RAHK, MTR reverted to a design with blue hard rubber for the handrail grip area, ensuring convenience and stability even for individuals with limited hand mobility.