Although the merger has resulted in a large increase in the number of MTR passengers and greatly boosted the corporation's fare revenue, I do not think there should be further cuts.

Under the influence of a high inflation rate in recent months, the prices of goods and services have soared, in particular the price of food and energy resources.

Moreover, the MTR will probably have to increase the salaries of staff over the next few years because of these inflation problems. Because of these financial factors, the company's running costs will keep increasing.

Also, since the December fare reduction, there has been a massive increase in the number of cross-harbour passengers.

Some busy MTR stations such as Admiralty, Central and Causeway Bay are always crowded during evening peak hours, but the problem seems to be getting worse.

Some passengers have said that conditions have now become worse, because the crowds have increased. Many of them say that sometimes they have to wait for at least one and sometimes even two trains before they can board. They say platforms have become stuffy.

These problems with crowds will get worse if there is another fare cut.

Stephen Leung Ho-keung, Tsuen Wan

My opinion is that it would be better to increase the frequency of trains rather than lower prices of tickets.

The photo of hoards of people waiting for trains at Admiralty station ('Passengers feel the crush after fare reductions', March 10) spoke volumes for the inhuman way that commuters are being forced to travel.

Every effort should be made by the MTR Corporation to alleviate the stress of travelling, by providing more trains - and if that means earning lower profits, then so be it.

My particular gripe is the situation on the Tsuen Wan to Central line on Saturdays, especially from mid-day onwards.

It seems that the schedulers of the MTR have not noticed, or have chosen not to notice, that now the economy has improved, many more people are travelling on their trains.

They seemingly have done nothing to the schedule, which was in place before the improvement.

The consequence is that their customers are stuffed like sardines into a confined place, making for a most uncomfortable journey.

Of course it would be wonderful to have lower fares, but I think it would be even more wonderful to be able to travel in the manner of people living in a civilised society.

Chris Stubbs, Discovery Bay

On other matters...

I have lived in Hong Kong since 1989 and recently moved to Macau, where I currently live and work.

Frequently I shop in Prince's Building in Central, and want to complain about the current unacceptable lift situation.

Originally there were three lifts that ran to the first, second and third floors, where most of the shops are located. Floors 14 to 26 are offices.

However, I noticed that one of the three lifts serving the first three floors was switched to serve a company on the 16th floor, which meant we were reduced to just two lifts.

Now I have noted that one of these two remaining lifts is reserved for a single company from the 16th to the 18th floors.

This means that customers wishing to visit the shops on the first three floors now only have one lift. Consequently, it is always crowded and it takes a long time to get to each floor.

Too often in Hong Kong, as in this case, the needs of the few take precedence over the needs of the many. Unfortunately, the owner of Prince's Building, the Hongkong Land Group, refuses to go back to the original arrangement.

When I sent an e-mail to the company, it replied and suggested I use the escalators instead.

This is not satisfactory as the escalators are not conveniently located, they take longer and are not suitable for elderly people who cannot walk on to escalators easily, or other people with physical disabilities.

I have heard several people complain about this new policy. Managers of shops have raised the issue with Hongkong Land, but to no avail.

Michael Share, Macau

A TV commercial that aims to convince people it is cruel to keep dogs in cages can now be seen in Central. It has been showing on the big screen at World Wide House since March 1.

Caging dogs, in some cases for their whole lives, is as widespread as it is cruel, so a group of animal welfare activists got together to create an educational programme.

The singer and film star Karen Mok Man-wai gave her time to appear in the TV commercial.

It can be seen four times an hour on the screen facing Pedder Street for nearly the whole of March.

Donations may also be made to the co-organiser, Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

Initially, the programme was financed by a donation from the Sir Robert Ho Tung Charitable Trust because of the support of a family member.

The ad has also been running on TVB Jade.

Roger Medcalf, Sai Kung

Finally the warmer weather is upon us and often no jacket is required, that is, unless you travel on New World Ferries.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the ferry service and New World stating increased running costs and a need to increase fares.

Well, perhaps if they reduced the air-conditioning on the ferries they could save money.

It would be better for the environment and I am sure many passengers would be happier. Personally I find it frustrating to have to carry additional clothing just because I travel on a ferry for an hour a day.

Perhaps New World could explain why we have to travel in the equivalent of a fridge every day.

Samantha Bell, Lantau