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South China Morning Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's MTR Corp to carry out one-off inspection of critical rail assets
Hong Kong's rail operator will carry out a one-off inspection of all its overhead lines and signalling points, and is considering offering a free cross-harbour shuttle bus in the event of service suspensions as part of efforts to follow up on a series of recent blunders. The MTR Corporation on Friday rolled out an eight-point plan that falls under an existing HK$65 billion (US$8.3 million) five-year asset and maintenance upgrade announced in 2023. The move follows calls from Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu last month for the transport provider to improve on its 'inadequacies' in emergency response and contingency planning after three service disruptions occurred within a four-month period. In two incidents, engineering trains were stranded on a section of the East Rail line, while in another, services along the Tseung Kwan O line were suspended for five-hours last month. Transport minister Mable Chan said the government would continue to supervise and guide the MTR Corp in learning from its past failures and strengthening its risk prediction and mitigation capabilities. 'The MTR Corp must proactively address potential issues before they arise, enhance the safety of its railway systems and accelerate the application of innovative technologies to realise predictive maintenance for fortifying the overall resilience of the railway system,' she said. 'Its management should also leverage the wisdom of frontline staff and strengthen the sense of accountability among staff from different ranks.'
Sydney Morning Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Taxpayers fork out almost $500m to shield Metro Trains from pandemic fallout
Private company Metro Trains is receiving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to offset lower passenger revenue, allowing the company to record bumper profits despite reduced patronage post-pandemic. Work-from-home habits have left an enduring dent in Melbourne's public transport usage and associated fare revenue, with train passenger numbers in the first three months of 2025 still 22 per cent below 2019 levels. Tram passenger numbers were down 20 per cent compared to 2019, while Melbourne's bus network patronage was down 6 per cent. Metro Trains reported 17.9 million passengers in March this year – 4.2 million fewer than in March 2019, representing a loss of about 137,000 passengers every day. But Metro – majority owned by Hong Kong's MTR Corporation – has largely escaped the financial impact of the passenger downturn due to contract provisions, which have set it up for 'strong profit results' until the contract ends in November 2027. The 2025/26 state budget, released last month, shows the Allan government will spend $489 million over the next four years to address 'COVID-19 impacts' on Metro train services, including offsetting 'lower revenue associated with changed travel patterns to maintain service delivery'. The COVID-related top-up will cost $176.1 million in the coming financial year, $182.1 million in 2026-27, $103.1 million in 2027-28 and $28.3 million in 2028-29. The $489 million package was announced as part of a budget straining under Victoria's record-high debt, forecast to hit $155.5 billion by the end of this month and $194 billion by mid-2029. The expense comes on top of previous 'reset payments' made to Metro and other transport operators since January 2022.
The Age
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Taxpayers fork out almost $500m to shield Metro Trains from pandemic fallout
Private company Metro Trains is receiving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to offset lower passenger revenue, allowing the company to record bumper profits despite reduced patronage post-pandemic. Work-from-home habits have left an enduring dent in Melbourne's public transport usage and associated fare revenue, with train passenger numbers in the first three months of 2025 still 22 per cent below 2019 levels. Tram passenger numbers were down 20 per cent compared to 2019, while Melbourne's bus network patronage was down 6 per cent. Metro Trains reported 17.9 million passengers in March this year – 4.2 million fewer than in March 2019, representing a loss of about 137,000 passengers every day. But Metro – majority owned by Hong Kong's MTR Corporation – has largely escaped the financial impact of the passenger downturn due to contract provisions, which have set it up for 'strong profit results' until the contract ends in November 2027. The 2025/26 state budget, released last month, shows the Allan government will spend $489 million over the next four years to address 'COVID-19 impacts' on Metro train services, including offsetting 'lower revenue associated with changed travel patterns to maintain service delivery'. The COVID-related top-up will cost $176.1 million in the coming financial year, $182.1 million in 2026-27, $103.1 million in 2027-28 and $28.3 million in 2028-29. The $489 million package was announced as part of a budget straining under Victoria's record-high debt, forecast to hit $155.5 billion by the end of this month and $194 billion by mid-2029. The expense comes on top of previous 'reset payments' made to Metro and other transport operators since January 2022.
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to offer 71,000 free MTR tickets to mark 28th handover anniversary: John Lee
A total of 71,000 free MTR tickets will be up for grabs on July 1 as part of citywide celebrations to commemorate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, the chief executive has said. City leader John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday he would bring forward his annual policy address by a month to September, in light of the Legislative Council election scheduled for the end of this year. Public consultation is set to kick off on Monday next week. He said the government would host a series of events across 18 districts to celebrate the July 1 anniversary , including flag-raising ceremonies, carnivals, gala shows and sports games. 'The government will also collaborate with the different sectors to launch diversified benefits to allow residents to enjoy the joyous occasion,' Lee added. According to Lee, rail giant the MTR Corporation will offer 71,000 digital tickets on July 1 through lucky draws. Winning residents will redeem a free MTR ticket for designated routes within half a year. Chief Executive John Lee says he will bring forward his annual policy address by a month to September. Photo: Dickson Lee Airport Express would also provide free services to children aged between 3 and 11 that day, while the elderly aged 60 and beyond enjoy half-priced tickets.
South China Morning Post
09-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
On escalators and around MTR stations, let's be mindful of each other
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement I refer to the letter , 'Move to stop people walking on MTR escalators gets nowhere' (June 2). Many years ago, as a young, inexperienced person on an escalator in the London Underground, I was angrily told to stand on the right so that another passenger could pass me on the left. I was shocked and upset and followed this instruction thereafter. The protocol of standing on the right and walking on the left still seems to be generally accepted in London. In Hong Kong, however, the practice we are urged to follow has changed In November, the MTR Corporation said there were 430 'recorded escalator safety incidents' in the first nine months of 2024, of which 60 per cent involved 'passengers who were not holding onto handrails, lost their balance while walking, were bumped by others or were carrying bulky items'. Advertisement It seems the new instructions are a response to these statistics, though they do not indicate the proportion of accidents that occurred while walking or standing.
