The MTR Corporation announced on Monday that its fleet of Phase 2 Light Rail Vehicles will retire soon after serving the northwestern New Territories for over 30 years, with a special trip scheduled on Sunday for citizens and rail fans to bid farewell to them.
The special trip will depart from Platform 1 of Light Rail Yuen Long Stop at 9.15am on Sunday and travel all the way to Platform 4 of Light Rail Siu Hong Stop, it will then stop briefly at the Siu Hong stop before departing, according to the announcement.
The railway operator called on citizens to stay safe and be considerate to other passengers when taking photos on the LRVs or at the platform.
The Phase 2 LRVs - built by Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries - entered into service in 1992, with 20 cab cars numbered 1071-1090 and 10 trailers numbered 1201–1210.
In August 2015, the MTRC announced that new light rail vehicles would be acquired to replace the Phase 2 LRVs. A contract was signed with CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock in July 2016 to purchase a total of 40 new vehicles, 30 to replace the Phase 2 LRVs, and 10 additional units to expand the fleet.
The first of the new Chinese-made Phase 5 LRVs arrived in Hong Kong in December 2018 and commence service in November 2020.
The Phase 5 LRVs are furnished with an improved LED lighting system to enhance saloon ambiance and more passenger seats (compared with Phase-2 LRVs). The handrail and strap hanger arrangements are also improved.