Stand still on Hong Kong’s MTR escalators, urges new safety campaign

Hong Kong’s MTR is asking passengers to stand still on escalators due to safety concerns and a rise in accidents.

The MTR Corporation reported more than 400 accidents involving its station escalators in the first nine months of the year.

The latest data said some risks come with passengers moving while on escalators.

“With the changing times and an ageing population, walking on escalators and causing injuries may lead to serious consequences,” said Cheris Lee Yuen-ling, the company’s chief of operating and metro segment.

More than 1,300 escalators are used by millions of passengers every day at MTR stations across the city.

The MTR Corporation registered 430 reports of related safety incidents in the first nine months of 2024.

About 60 per cent of them involved passengers who were not holding handrails, lost their balance while walking, were bumped by others or were carrying bulky items.

The company invited Hong Kong DJ and singer Jan Lamb to feature in a new promotional video for its “2024 Escalator Safety Campaign”.

Quiz time

1. Why did the MTR Corporation ask passengers not to walk on the escalators?

2. How many accidents occurred at MTR stations in the first nine months of 2024?

3. What were the main causes of the accidents at MTR stations?

4. What is the name of the MTR Corporation’s latest promotional campaign, and who is featured in the video?

The MTR Corporation’s latest campaign aims to prevent injuries.. Photo: Facebook/Joe Leung

Suggested answers

1. safety concerns and a rise in accidents

2. 430

3. passengers not holding the handrails, losing their balance, being bumped by others or carrying bulky items.

4. It is called the “2024 Escalator Safety Campaign” and features DJ and singer Jan Lamb.