During today's Legislative Council session (June 4), lawmakers highlighted public complaints about the absence of food and beverage outlets or vending machines in the departure waiting area at High Speed Rail (HSR) West Kowloon Station. They also noted many retail spaces in the main waiting hall remain vacant long-term, negatively impacting passenger experience.
In a written reply, Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san stated that Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station was designed with operational needs in mind, including dedicated retail spaces. He confirmed that diversified shops and vending machines currently operate at Levels B1, B2, and the Ground Floor, with the "vast majority" of retail spaces already leased.
Liu emphasized the strategic importance of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, which connects to China's 47,000-km HSR network and strengthens Hong Kong's role as a regional transport hub. The MTR Corporation has continuously monitored operations and tenant performance since the station's 2018 opening.
Mainland Port Area Regulations Affect Arrangements
Liu explained that the main waiting hall falls within the Mainland Port Area, requiring all operations, including retail, to comply with the "co-location" border clearance arrangement.
The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively working with MTR to refine plans for introducing catering services and shops in this restricted zone. Preliminary discussions with mainland authorities regarding operational and regulatory frameworks are underway, with follow-up actions being taken to expedite service enhancements. Authorities aim to improve the passenger experience at West Kowloon Station "as soon as possible."
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