XN000022-1996-05-31 — Page 3

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Transcript of the Governor's media session

Following is the transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after visiting the MTRC this (Friday) afternoon:

Governor: I'm very pleased to have another opportunity of seeing the work of what must by any standards be one of the most efficient railway systems in the world. I think we are lucky in Hong Kong to have such a fine public transport undertaking as the MTR.

I've been pleased today to be briefed about some of their ongoing refurbishing programme, to be briefed about the work they're doing to complete the airport railway, and it's been a pleasure as well to see the work they've been doing to improve their facilities for the disabled. As many of you will know, over the last two or three years, I've taken a particular interest in improving transport facilities for the disabled as well as employment opportunities, and I have to say that MTR has been in the forefront of efforts to improve their facilities in order to make it easier for people with a disability to travel as freely as possible around Hong Kong. They've done an excellent job and I think that's recognised by the groups that represent people with disabilities.

So I'm delighted to have been around with Jack So and his team today and it's a pleasure to ride on MTR again. I don't normally have perhaps so many cameras when I do it.

Question: Do you try to remember how many times you've been on the MTR ...?

Governor: With cameras? With cameras I think three, but you're not always with me when one of my favourite Saturday mornings I travel from Admiralty to Tsim Sha Tsui to the HMV shop. Then I come back and I used to be able to get a coffee at Star Ferry, but I can't do that any more cause the coffee shop has closed. But it's a very good trip across and costs me I think eight-fifty.

Question: What do you think of the quality of the air on your train journey just now?

Governor: The quality of the air. I thought the quality of the air on my train journey was pretty good. But I know it's an issue which is of concern to the management of MTR. They've got an inquiry as you know going on into the sixth of May incident at the moment, and as soon as that inquiry is completed, they'll be wanting to make the results known to the Legislative council Transport Panel and to others. Like all the best managements, they recognise the importance of accountability to their public.