Zhu Yefei, a 43-year-old construction worker, said he spent a week trying to buy the premium sleeper tickets exclusively available for the Shanghai-bound train, which were usually quickly snapped up, as he hoped to experience the journey with his son.
“I wish to take the train trip with my son while spending a lovely Father’s Day with him,” Zhu said.
For the premium sleeper decks, there was a common area provided for the passengers to sit and talk.
Zhu said the price of the premium sleeper tickets – which cost between HK$1,613 (US$206) and HK$1,821 – were quite expensive, and he might choose the normal upper or lower deck options next time.
Pandora Chan, a 62-year-old secretary, said she was not satisfied with the facilities of the train.
“There are only two chargers within one cabin available for the passengers while all are located at the lower deck,” Chan said, adding that it was not convenient especially for single travellers.
“There was also no Wi-Fi provided on the train and I am very shocked about that.” Chan said, calling it “unacceptable” as it meant she could not watch TV dramas or chat with friends throughout the journey.
Retiree Lo Chan-Fai, 80, said the experience of travelling by high-speed rail was vastly different to that of the older trains he had taken before.
Lo was travelling with his wife and two relatives on a trip to Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, before returning on Jun 21 by sleeper train.
“When flying, there is always the concern about time being wasted for security checks and possible delays,” Lo said.
“This time is the best opportunity as four of us can stay together in one cabin and sleep comfortably for a night, avoiding any awkward situations.”
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier said the sleeper trains would help to foster the city’s exchanges and integration with mainland China.
This article was first published on SCMP.
