Hong Kong’s MTR Corp fined HK$19.2 million and will offer half-price fares for day
But lawmakers say penalty for five-hour disruption does not reflect seriousness of case, with one calling suspension ‘appalling’ and a ‘disaster’
The incident was the third traffic disruption in four months caused by technical failures, drawing strong criticism from lawmakers on Monday. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also pledged to consider reflecting incidents that may affect service and passengers with the company’s remuneration.
During a legislative panel meeting, Chan confirmed that the HK$19.2 million penalty for the Tseung Kwan O line disruption would be allocated for passenger rebates.
She added that further funds would be set aside for similar incidents in February and April involving engineering trains, which the government viewed with “grave concern”.
“The cumulative funds for such rebates will mean there will be a day with half-priced rides for people,” Chan said. “I hope the MTR Corp can see that the greater their ability, the greater their responsibility.”
Chan said she would “definitely” raise lawmaker Chan Hok-fung’s suggestion of performance-linked pay for management during discussions with the company’s board of directors.