Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Inaugurated in Hong KongThe Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) on 15th August, 2007 celebrated the commencement of service of Lok Ma Chau spur line of the East Rail. The 7.4 km spur line, diverging from the mainline north of Sheung Shui station, provides an alternative crossing for East Rail passengers to Shenzhen. Operating at a 10 to 12-minute interval, the journey from East Rail's southern terminus at East Tsim Sha Tsui station to Lok Ma Chau station takes about 45 minutes, without any interchange. The journey time for the 7.4 km spur line running from Sheung Shui station to Lok Ma Chau station is about six minutes. It provides a direct link to Lok Ma Chau Terminus for passengers along the East Rail. On arrival at Lok Ma Chau Terminus, passengers can proceed through the cross-boundary passenger bridge for destinations in Shenzhen. The Lok Ma Chau spur line, including its two 5.2 km parallel tunnels, and Shenzhen metro's Line 4 will provide a more direct and convenient boundary crossing service serving the combined population of 20 millions, and will facilitate economic and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Fitted with 136 counters at the immigration hall, the Lok Ma Chau spur line control point will be able to handle up to about 150,000 passengers a day. Passengers can now travel to and from mainland China through this crossing by using different kinds of public transport services. Apart from taking the Lok Ma Chau spur line, passengers can also travel to the public transport interchange next to the Lok Ma Chau Terminus by franchised bus, green minibus and taxi. Click here and cn/34. Visit www.kcrc.com 35/07.