Benefits

The Express Rail Link will connect Hong Kong with the 16,000-km National High Speed Rail Network, which is the largest high-speed rail network in the world. It is estimated that a population of 60 million will reside within a four-hour journey zone from the West Kowloon Terminus. With enhanced connectivity between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the economic development in Hong Kong and cultural exchange with the Mainland will be enhanced. The Express Rail Link will bring many social and economic benefits to both Hong Kong and the Mainland.

• The Express Rail Link will facilitate the social and economic integration of Hong Kong with cities in the Pearl River Delta as well as other major cities in the Mainland, and thus will enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional hub.
• The Express Rail Link will significantly reduce the travel time and associated cost between Hong Kong and Mainland cities. For example, the railway journey time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong will be cut by half from 100 minutes to 48 minutes. It will serve 16 Mainland cities with frequent and fast through train services. More Mainland cities and regions will be included in the daily commutable area of Hong Kong. The concept of a one-hour living circle within the Pearl River Delta area may materialize, and cultural and academic exchanges will also be promoted.
• The Express Rail Link will create approximately 11,000 employment opportunities (including about 9,000 labourers and about 2,000 clerical and technical/professional staff) during the peak of construction. It will also facilitate growth in other industries such as catering and retail, tourism, professional services, and more, generating an estimated 10,000 employment opportunities.
• It is estimated that the Express Rail Link will save approximately 42 million hours of travelling time annually, bringing up to HK$87 billion in economic benefits in 50 years, based on the time savings of passengers alone.
• The Express Rail Link is more environmentally friendly than aircraft in terms of energy conservation and reduction in gas emissions. It will enhance the sustainable development of Hong Kong.