Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung (first left), visits the MTR Yau Ma Tei Station to receive an update from MTR representatives on an incident on a train at the station on Nov 13, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – A monitoring mechanism has been put in place to ensure smooth operation of the MTR Corp Ltd, Hong Kong’s chief executive has said, stressing that the government considers residents’ safety as the priority.
John Lee Ka-Chiu Lee said this while speaking to the media before the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, while replying to a question on several MTR accidents taking place within a short period of time.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government will pay close attention to the initial investigation report and ensure all follow-ups to operational safety are properly implemented
The MTR Corp – the city’s lone rail operator – runs 10 railway lines serving Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
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“As residents need to take the MTR every day, we have stringent monitoring mechanisms on railway operations and performance. If MTR failed in fulfilling its responsibility, we would consider further actions based on the punishment mechanisms,” he said.
He said the government will pay close attention to the initial investigation report and ensure all follow-ups to operational safety are properly implemented.
The government holds consultations on MTR fares, said Lee, adding that the rail operator’s performance and operation would be discussed as well.
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Asked about introduction of “0 + 0” COVID-19 policy, he said the government would have targeted measures in cases of large events. If the COVID-19 risks seem to be controllable, the government would minimize the pandemic restrictions to maximize economic activities, he added.