The coronavirus outbreak has made it more challenging for Hong Kong rail operator MTR, which was already reeling from its worst financial performance last year, after months of protests.
Entering into 2020, Hong Kong — like the rest of the world — faced fresh challenges from the COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 3,600 and sickened at least 106,000 people. As of Mar. 10, Hong Kong recorded 115 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease and three deaths, according to latest situation report by the World Health Organization.2019, due to the social unrest which saw train stations vandalized and services suspended, MTR's passenger numbers fell by over 11%.
As part of relief measures to help Hong Kongers through the difficult times, MTR has introduced a fare freeze for the rest of the year, as well as rent cuts for small and medium-sized companies. In a bid to keep Hong Kong moving, the rail-operator has also maintained regular train services — except for some "small adjustments" made to non-peak and low passenger volume train times, Kam added.
Rather than to suspend lines in the current outbreak, MTR is also looking at introducing new lines, according to Kam. "We have opened new lines in mainland China, Australia, Macau and of course, in Hong Kong in recent months. And we are going to open new lines and we have new business in the coming years."
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