MTR : Gives Reassurance that Signalling Systems are in Good Condition But Lightning Protection will be Enhanced

PR069/14
31 July 2014

With attention on the MTR's signalling systems increasing after faulty and damaged signalling equipment caused five delays of eight minutes or more between 22 and 30 July 2014, the MTR Corporation today (31 July 2014) assured passengers that the signalling systems on all MTR lines are robustly maintained and operating in good condition to provide safe train services. (Details of the five incidents in Appendix 1.)
However, the Corporation will look to strengthen lightning protection measures along the network with the assistance of an independent specialist after signaling equipment was damaged by a particularly severe lightning storm.
"First of all, I would like to apologise to our passengers for the inconvenience that the recent delays have caused," said Dr Jacob Kam, Operations Director of MTR Corporation. "We have heard the concerns raised in the community about the condition of our existing signalling systems and whether they are causing more frequent train service delays than before. Our records show that the number of signalling-related incidents has remained stable over the years and all the signaling systems on the different lines remain in good condition," said Dr Jacob Kam, Operations Director of MTR Corporation. "Nevertheless, we do investigate every incident that occurs to look for possible improvements and we will engage outside experts to assist us when appropriate.
Operating more than 8,000 train trips each day, Dr Kam said it is very difficult to achieve zero delays. However, the Corporation has been building up the strength of its engineering rapid response units and deploying teams to stand by at strategic locations in the network to speed up the recovery when a delay does occur.
From 1 January to 30 July 2014, the Corporation experienced 21 signalling-related delays. The average number of three delays a month is similar to the average monthly figure for such delays in each of the previous three years (2011-2013).

Of the 5 recent incidents, the most serious occurred on the West Rail Line on 22 July when severe lightning damaged two electronic computer cards in the signalling system. A less frequent service with trains travelling at the caution speed of 22kph over two affected sections was operated during the six hours it took to restore normal service. The lightning storm on the day had also caused a minor delay on the East Rail Line.

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"Protection equipment are installed along the rail network to prevent our equipment from being damaged by lightning. These protections have worked well in the past," said Dr Tony Lee, Chief of Operations Engineering of MTR Corporation. "In light of the recent West Rail Line case, we are working with an independent specialist to conduct a review into our existing protection measures to identify enhancements to ensure our equipment can be more robust in withstanding severe weather conditions in future."
At present, six different models of signalling systems have been installed in the MTR network, reflecting the proven technology available at the time of installation. Parts and components are maintained, upgraded and replaced under the MTR's stringent maintenance and asset replacement regime, towards which more than $5 billion is allocated each year.
In fact, earlier this year, the Corporation had already announced plans to replace the signalling systems for the urban MTR lines to enhance capacity. The tender process is underway and work is expected to commence in 2015 for completion in phases from 2018 to 2022 for the Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Island Line and Tseung Kwan O Line. Afterwards, replacement works will begin for the Disneyland Resort Line, Tung Chung Line and Airport Express. The East Rail Line signaling system will be replaced as part of the Shatin to Central Link project.
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Photo Caption:

1. Dr Jacob Kam, Operations Director of MTR Corporation said that the signalling systems replacement tender process is underway and work is expected to complete in phases from 2018 to 2022 for the Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Island Line and Tseung Kwan O Line.

2. Dr Tony Lee, Chief of Operations Engineering of MTR Corporation said the Corporation are working with an independent specialist to conduct a review into its existing protection measures to identify enhancements to ensure our equipment can be more robust in withstanding severe weather conditions in future.

Appendix 1
Details of the 5 signalling-related incidents of 8 minutes between 22 and 30 July

*signalling-related incident of 6 minutes

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