- We should also demand steep increases, when things return to normal, are not allowed; after all, the rail giant must meet its social responsibility
The decision by the Mass Transit Railway Corporation to put back its annual fare adjustment comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air for a city hit by an escalating epidemic. Given its profitability and social responsibility, the MTR's response is fair. But there is a lot more to be done, such as making a clear commitment in easing the pressure of a steeper rise in coming years.
The move means even when the rebates from previous adjustments expire at the end of June, ticket prices for all train journeys will remain the same in the coming year. Rents for some retailers at MTR facilities will also be halved temporarily in another welcome step to help small businesses get through the downturn.
It is indeed politically wise for the management to put aside the fare adjustment this year. The formula, which takes into account inflation and other macroeconomic statistics, has long been criticised as almost a guarantee for the moneymaking rail giant to charge more every year. The growing resistance has prompted an array of fare concessions to mitigate the impact.
Rent cuts, fare freezes as MTR introduces relief measures amid outbreak
Once a world-class rail operator, the MTR's reputation has already been damaged by a series of construction woes, mismanagement and cost overruns. It was further put to the test during the social unrest last year, with many citizens taking issue with its alleged cooperation with the police's law enforcement actions. Facing the double blow of a boycott and dwindling usage in times of a public health crisis, going ahead with the annual fare adjustment would have been political suicide.
The series of bomb threats targeting stations and railway tracks recently are unacceptable. But they show the tension is far from eased. Even as the unrest sparked by the protests against the now-withdrawn extradition bill appears to be subsiding, the hostility towards the MTR and the government in some quarters remains strong.
Concerns have been raised that passengers would face steeper fare increases in future years as a result of the freeze. The management should not rule out more concessions in accordance with the social and economic situations.
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