It is estimated that train journeys between MTR stations in the Southern district to stations on the current Island Line will cost between HK$5.2 and HK$8, the Transport Department has announced. Journeys will cost slightly more than current bus fares, but MTR South Island Line passengers could save a significant amount of time.

The eastern part of the new line is expected to start running by the end of this year. It will begin at South Horizons, passing through Lei Tung, Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park, to finish at Admiralty.

Ocean Park MTR. Photo: MTRC.

In a document provided to the Southern District Council, the Transport Department estimated that fares will cost HK$5.2 from Admiralty to Ocean Park for adults. The journey time would be four minutes – saving 21 minutes when compared to the current bus route.

A South Island Line train. Photo: Henry Chai.

Fares between any single stations on the new line are estimated to be HK$4.4.

New MTR station designs. Photo: MTRC.

A journey from Southern district stations to Kowloon East stations on the Kwun Tong Line would likely cost HK$13.8.

Photo: MTRC.

The final fares have yet to be confirmed by the MTR Corporation.

Routes Fare Duration Time saved Ocean Park – Admiralty HK$5.2 4 minutes 21 minutes Southern district – Central/Admiralty/Wan Chai HK$5.2 9 – 14 minutes 20 minutes Southern district – Island West HK$5.2 – 6.5 11 – 15 minutes 20 – 30 minutes Southern district – Island East HK$6.5 – 8 11 – 22 minutes 30 – 40 minutes Southern district – Kowloon East HK$13.8 25 – 43 minutes 20 – 47 minutes Between each Southern district station HK$4.4 3 – 6 minutes 10 minutes

The document also said that, since the opening of the new line will attract bus passengers, the Transport Department suggested cancelling 11 bus routes mostly between the Southern and Central districts.

The 629 bus from Admiralty to Ocean Park will be cut to five rides in the morning. The route itself will be changed to run between the Star Ferry in Central to Ocean Park.

Services of another ten bus routes in the district may also be reduced or merged.

“The South Island Line (East) trains are designed with unique features to fit with the Southern District”, the MTRC says.

The department will decide on whether to adjust 20 other bus routes and 13 minibus routes after the line started running.