2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the opening of the first MTR line in Hong Kong.

A view of Beijing Metro Line 4, the first metro line invested, built and operated in a public-private partnership model in China.

Jacob Kam, CEO of MTR Corp

The China Development Forum was held in Beijing from Saturday to Monday. With a focus on China's continuous development, the forum provided a platform for business and academic communities to interact with Chinese decision-makers and economic planners. They exchanged ideas and opinions on issues pertaining to China's development.

MTR Corp, a leading railway operator that is rooted in the city of Hong Kong, emphasizes its keen interest in the opportunities provided by China's steady economic recovery and continuous momentum for growth and innovation. Building on its existing business presence in Hong Kong and across multiple cities in the Chinese mainland, MTR is particularly eager to bring its experience in rail transit and transit-oriented development to contribute to the country's development as it unleashes the potential of "new quality productive forces".

Facilitating recovery

In the wake of Hong Kong's recovery in 2023, MTR swiftly restored local train services including the East Rail Line which connects Hong Kong's downtown with bustling land crossings into the Chinese mainland. Notably, high-speed rail emerged as the preferred mode of transport between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, with the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail witnessing a record-breaking annual patronage exceeding 20 million. The demand for high speed service, together with the steady pickup of passengers on other cross-boundary lines run by MTR, is telling of the robust business and social exchanges between residents in Hong Kong and other parts of China.

As the operator, MTR collaborated with relevant Chinese mainland parties to enhance services by introducing new destinations, additional train services, electronic tickets and flexible ticketing arrangements, providing more convenient and seamless cross-boundary services for travelers.

Starting last week, the ticketing arrangements were extended to include trips between Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station and the Shenzhen North Station, allowing passengers to enjoy greater flexibility in arranging their train trips to accommodate last-minute changes in travel plans. The initiative will assist effortless access and foster closer ties between the vibrant cities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, as well as other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Notable presence

MTR also has a strong presence in the Chinese mainland.

By the end of 2023, the total length of the urban rail transit network across the mainland exceeded 11,000 kilometers, serving more than 30 billion passengers annually. The large-scale urban rail transit development not only alleviates traffic congestion and helps the environment but propels economic growth and fosters urban prosperity.

Over the years, riding on the relevant national policies, MTR has leveraged its expertise and experience and engaged in the development of urban rail transit in the Chinese mainland. Its associate, Beijing MTR, opened Beijing Metro Line 4 in 2009, becoming the first rail transit line in China to be invested, constructed and operated under the public-private partnership model.

Today, the total operational length of Beijing's metro network has expanded from 200 km in 2009 to more than 800 km. Beijing MTR's services now encompass 23 percent of the overall operational route of Beijing's metro network, with millions of passengers benefiting daily. The Mayor of Beijing Yin Yong applauded Beijing MTR's service quality and efficiency at a recent economic cooperation symposium.

"Beijing is the first city in the Chinese mainland to introduce MTR Corp's rail transit projects, as well as our closest partner and best paragon outside Hong Kong. The government has consistently embraced an open and inclusive approach, attracting foreign investment and fostering healthy competition," said Jacob Kam, CEO of MTR Corp.

MTR Corp currently operates railways in Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Macao, covering a total route distance exceeding 340 km. It provides safe, reliable and efficient journeys to 4 million passengers every day on these lines. In addition, MTR also operates thousands of kilometers of railways in Europe and Australia under operation contracts.

Long-term commitment

Emphasizing its commitment to sustainable development, MTR promotes its "rail plus community" development model through its participation in railway projects in Chinese mainland cities and has gained recognition from stakeholders. The model implemented in Hong Kong serves as a blueprint for collaboration with local governments in Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and the Bay Area. Transit-oriented development projects are at the forefront of these joint efforts, promoting integrated and high-quality urban development.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Outline Development Plan for the Bay Area. It is a key development region with a clear focus for MTR's corporate strategy.

In addition to the Macao Light Rapid Transit system and Shenzhen Metro Line 4, which connects to Futian Port, MTR will operate the new Shenzhen Metro Line 13 connecting to the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint. This new line is expected to be operational in the near future, heralding a new era of collaboration for MTR in building an integrated rail network in the Bay Area and propelling it toward the vision of becoming globally renowned.

"As the Chinese government steadfastly upholds openness and continues to improve the business environment, MTR Corp remains committed to actively participating in the high-quality development of cities in the Chinese mainland," Kam said.

Leveraging its experience and understanding of the Chinese market, as well as the cooperation established with local partners, MTR Corp is poised to seize emerging prospects in China's continuous development.

The 45th anniversary

2024 signifies a significant milestone as it commemorates the 45th anniversary of the first MTR line — the Kwun Tong Line. Over the decades, MTR Corp has been dedicated to playing an important role in Hong Kong by building a public transportation system with the railway as the backbone. From its starting base in Hong Kong, the corporation has expanded into the Chinese mainland and taken on a range of railway-related projects and operations internationally, resulting in an extensive network spanning thousands of kilometers.

Through its comprehensive network and integrated communities, the corporation enables cities and their people to move forward and make progress. MTR Corp will continue to connect and grow communities with caring service and keep cities moving sustainably.