Storm Troopers

Ever since the Mass Transit Railway assumed control of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, I've noticed a huge increase in the number of ticket checks aboard First Class on the East Rail line.

When the KCR ran things inspections seemed more sporadic; you never knew when they might occur. Moreover, it appeared to use discretion with transgressors: if you were a genuinely confused tourist mistakenly riding without a proper ticket, you'd often be gently ushered to regular class with nothing more than light admonishment, whereas Hong Kongers would be unceremoniously removed at the next station and slapped with a $500 fine for trying to beat the First Class surcharge (it was assumed they knew better).

No longer.

Not only have inspections been visibly stepped up, the MTR uses teams of three to four people (vs. one or two previously) swooping into the car like commandos on a raid. And now anyone with an invalid ticket gets hauled off the train. Most are fined on the spot; arguing has little effect.

It feels a bit draconian, but I've seen plenty of people read and simply dismiss the signs explaining First Class and the fines for fare cheats. They know they aren't authorised but think they can beat the system. They deserve to be nailed, and with more than a touch of schadenfreude, I enjoy watching scofflaws take a hit: you do the crime, you do the time.

The MTR does have the right to protect its interests as well as those of law-abiding passengers, but it could stand to ease up a bit, because I have witnessed bewildered-looking folks stumble into First Class wondering if they're in the right place. True, signs inside the carriage exist, but these are often missed because they blend in with all the advertising.

Therefore it's unfair to surround some poor flustered tourist, practically frog-march him out the door and then demand that he pony up $500.

That sort of thing leaves a very bad taste in visitors' mouths.

← Older Posts · 早前 | →