MTR’s third metro project in mainland China has been officially opened in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou Metro Line 1, a joint venture between MTR Corporation and Hangzhou Metro Group Company Limited, commenced service on November 24.
Jay Walder, chief executive of MTR Corporation, said: “Hangzhou is now the third mainland city in which we are operating a metro line.
“We are honoured to bring more than 30 years of experience in railway operations to this modern commercial hub that has historical and cultural significance.
“We will work closely with our partner, Hangzhou Metro Group, to provide safe, convenient and high-quality metro service to the local community.”
Building on the success of Beijing Metro Line 4 and Shenzhen Metro Longhua Line, Hangzhou Metro Line 1 is MTR Corporation’s third metro investment project in the mainland.
The new 48 km line is a Public-Private Partnership project with a total capital cost of about $3.5 billion.
MTR Corporation has a 49 per cent stake in Hangzhou MTR with the balance owned by Hangzhou Metro Group Company Limited. Hangzhou MTR will operate the line for 25 years.
“The years of hard work of our Hong Kong and Hangzhou teams have come to fruition today and we are delighted to have contributed to a major development of this city,” said Mr KY Leung, general manager of Hangzhou MTR.
Hangzhou Metro Line 1 features 31 stations running from the south to the north of the city.
