Hong Kong's MTR Corp to be fined at least HK$1 million for 7-hour disruption
Published: 2:13pm, 7 Feb 2025
Hong Kong's rail operator will be fined at least HK$1 million (US$128,400) for a severe service disruption that lasted more than seven hours, while a transport official has pushed back against calls for a review of the penalty mechanism following the delays.
Authorities confirmed the fine on Friday during a panel meeting in the legislature to discuss the disruption to East Rail line services earlier in the week.
Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, a managing director of the MTR Corporation, apologised again on behalf of the company.
A faulty sensor left an engineer's train sitting stationary on the tracks near Tai Wo MTR station on Wednesday. All southbound and northbound trains passing through the station were required to use the same platform to let passengers alight and board.
Passengers were forced to wait on platforms for up to 24 minutes between services as workers scrambled to conduct repairs.
Yeung said the engineer's train weighed nearly 80 tonnes. The amount was double the weight of normal passenger trains, making the removal more difficult and extending the delay.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
33 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
China warns countries not to sign US trade deals at its expense
China has again warned that its interests must not be used as a bargaining chip as countries scramble to make deals with the US to avoid the reinstatement of tariffs after a 90-day reprieve ends on July 9. A statement from the Ministry of Commerce on Saturday evening said Beijing firmly opposed any party reaching tariff relief deals with the United States at the expense of China's interests. 'Should such a situation arise, China will never accept it and will take firm, resolute countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests,' it said. The ministry also had a word for countries scrambling to reach a deal with Washington to avoid the reimposition of punitive duties, warning that only by 'resolutely defending principled stances' could they effectively safeguard their rights and interests. 'China welcomes all parties to resolve trade disputes with the US through equal consultations. We call on them to be on the side of fairness and justice and vigorously uphold multilateral international trade rules,' it said.
RTHK
10 hours ago
- RTHK
Final bash set to end Bezos wedding party in Venice
Final bash set to end Bezos wedding party in Venice The newlyweds kiss on the third day of their wedding festivities. Photo: Reuters A "No Space for Bezos" banner drapes over the iconic Rialto Bridge. Photo: Reuters Newlyweds Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez left their luxury hotel on Venice's Grand Canal on Saturday for a final night of partying, crowning a three-day star-studded wedding extravaganza. Saturday's evening bash -- wrapping up celebrations for 200-250 guests estimated to have cost some US$50 million -- was due to take place in the Arsenale. Bezos and Sanchez kissed on the boat while greeting those around them. Around 1,000 people marched against the event on Saturday, groups of activists and residents who object to the wedding and to seeing Venice being gift-wrapped for the uber-wealthy. Protesters carried banners including one proclaiming 'Kisses yes, Bezos no', playing on Venice's reputation as the city of love. Venetian businesses and politicians, however, welcomed the event, hailing its major boost for the local economy. "Those who protest are in contradiction with the history of Venice, which is a history of relations, contacts and business," Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said. "Bezos embodies the Venetian mentality. He is more Venetian than the protesters." The city has hosted scores of other VIP weddings, including that of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014. (Reuters)
HKFP
14 hours ago
- HKFP
HKFP's investigative reporting wins a prestigious SOPA award
A Hong Kong Free Press investigation has won an honourable mention at the prestigious Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) awards. HKFP's 2024 probe into Hong Kong's role in illegal deforestation of the Amazon rainforest was a joint investigation by Mercedes Hutton and Repórter Brasil. Supply chain data, revealed in the feature, showed that at least four local businesses had imported beef farmed by a man whom Brazilian police had called 'the greatest devastator of the Amazon.' It won a Carlos Tejada Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting Honourable Mention. The top prize in the regional category went to a Mekong Eye investigation into meat smuggling. SOPA said that there were over 700 entries, with 120 volunteer judges asked to pick the top contenders for this year's awards. Established in 1999, the SOPA Awards recognise editorial excellence in both new media and traditional journalism in the Asia-Pacific region. HKFP has won three prizes in previous years. The SOPA 2025 Awards Gala Dinner was held on Thursday at the JW Marriott Hotel. Editor at Large for Bloomberg Weekend Mishal Husain, a former BBC World presenter, was the keynote speaker, alongside broadcaster Karen Koh as host. all made possible by our valued members. In 2024, HKFP was listed as a finalist for a award and Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize. Also last year, HKFP won a Journalist of Courage & Impact award, photography award and was nominated for a SOPA prize in Explanatory Reporting. Original reporting on HKFP is backed by our monthly contributors. Almost 1,000 monthly donors make HKFP possible. Each contributes an average of HK$200/month to support our award-winning original reporting, keeping the city's only independent English-language outlet free-to-access for all. Three reasons to join us: 🔎 Transparent & efficient: As a non-profit, we are externally audited each year, publishing our income/outgoings annually, as the city's most transparent news outlet. 🔒 Accurate & accountable: Our reporting is governed by a comprehensive Ethics Code. We are 100% independent, and not answerable to any tycoon, mainland owners or shareholders. Check out our latest Annual Report, and help support press freedom. 💰 It's fast, secure & easy: We accept most payment methods – cancel anytime, and receive a free tote bag and pen if you contribute HK$150/month or more.
