No passing on the left? MTR Corp tries to change how Hongkongers use escalators
Commuters traditionally stand on the right, while allowing others to walk on the left, but the rail giant says that is dangerous
Hong Kong’s rail giant has taken on what might be a herculean task: trying to convince residents they should stand still on both sides of an escalator and no longer reserve the left for commuters who need to pass in a hurry.
The company said the latest data highlighted the risks associated 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.
“It is safer to stand firm on either side of the escalator. We recognise that changing habits requires a collective effort, so we urge everyone to be considerate of themselves and others by holding onto the handrails and refraining from walking.”
More than 1,300 escalators serve millions of passengers every day at MTR stations across the city.
