University station (MTR)
| Company type | MTR station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport |
| Founded | September 24, 1956 |
| Headquarters | Ma Liu Shui , Hong Kong |
| Products | Railway services |
University station is an MTR facility located close to the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Ma Liu Shui. Positioned on the , it is situated between and / stations. As the first station introduced on the line after World War II, it is notable for having the most significant curved track among all MTR stations.
Early developments
The station's construction commenced in January 1955 under the initial name Ma Liu Shui, reflecting its geographic area, and concluded by August of the same year. The need for a passing loop along the single-track railway connecting Tai Po and Sha Tin justified establishing a station to accommodate the newly founded Chung Chi College.
Facilities included "a single-storey station building, a flush latrine, platforms extending 1,250 linear feet, and a loop line measuring 1,900 linear feet." However, its inauguration was postponed due to delays in receiving signalling equipment ordered via the Crown Agents.
Operations began on 24 September 1956, with three trains running in each direction daily. Although the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was officially established in 1963, Chung Chi College became part of CUHK that year and served as the foundation of its campus. The station adopted its current name on 1 January 1967 and underwent electrification alongside the entire KCR East Rail network in 1983.
On 4 June 1988, a derailment involving a goods wagon occurred just north of this station, resulting in thousands of passengers being stranded at University, Tai Po Market, and Fo Tan stations. Later that day, a truck overturned within the northbound lane of the Lion Rock Tunnel. These events triggered severe traffic jams across Kowloon and the eastern New Territories and prompted public disturbances at taxi and bus stops. Consequently, the Police Tactical Unit was deployed to University station to maintain order.
Expansion in 2000
Initially recognized as the smallest station within the network, University station underwent enlargement costing $72.4 million to better accommodate commuters from the newly developed Ma On Shan area across Tolo Harbour. The expansion project, designed by Leigh & Orange, started in late 1998 and was finalized by October 2000. This development increased the concourse space from 800 square metres to 2,000 square metres. Following these improvements, the station became an important interchange for buses and minibuses linking Ma On Shan with the East Rail line. Nonetheless, with the launch of the Ma On Shan rail in December 2004 offering direct rail access, University station’s significance for Ma On Shan commuters diminished.
Addition of new entrance
In 2012, a new exit D was introduced at the northern end of University station to provide access to nearby academic buildings. This entrance earned LEED silver precertification due to sustainable features such as abundant natural light, rainwater irrigation storage systems, natural airflow design, and furniture made from recycled railway sleepers. Distinctively, exit D leads straight onto a platform rather than a concourse and serves only northbound trains; passengers traveling southbound must walk along the platform to reach exits A or B for track crossing.
Safety
The curvature of the platform results in varying distances between train doors and platform edges. Despite concerns raised by passengers, gap-filling plates have not been installed. After incidents in 1985 where children fell onto tracks at this location, discussions took place within the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. The Secretary for Transport stated that gap dimensions met "international safety limits" and could not be reduced further due to platform curvature combined with wider train carriages. In a 2008 injury case, an approximate gap of 35 cm was reported; however, MTR maintained that it measured around 22 cm at that specific area.
At present, University station is among three stations marked with "gap black spots" warnings. Platform edges are equipped with flashing neon lights and "" (mind the gap) stickers and are monitored by staff members. Installation of platform screen doors is planned as part of an East Rail Line upgrade initiative.
Station layout
| P Platforms |
West Concourse | Exit A, C, |
| Side platform, trains open doors on left side | ||
| Platform Template:MTR platform | Template:Rcb heading towards Template:STN or Template:STN via Template:STN → | |
| Platform Template:MTR platform | ← Template:Rcb East Rail line bound for Template:STN (serving Template:STN on race days and Template:STN at all times) | |
| Side platform, doors open on left side | ||
| C | East Concourse | Exit B, Customer Service, transport interchange, restrooms |
| Retail outlets, vending machines, automatic teller machines (HSBC) | ||
| Corridor | Connecting passage to both platforms | |
Entrances/exits
- A: Chinese University of Hong Kong
- B: Chak Cheung Street, public transport interchange
- C: Chinese University of Hong Kong
- D: Chinese University of Hong Kong, Teaching Complex