Fishing rods, hockey sticks, bicycles: Hong Kong’s MTR adds sporting equipment to list of ‘oversized’ items allowed on trains, but with a permit
Passengers will be allowed to carry one piece of sports equipment on trains from next month, provided they have a permit and the item falls within size restrictions
Passengers will be allowed to carry one “oversized” piece of sports equipment, including a fishing rod, hockey stick or bicycle, on MTR trains from next month, provided they have a permit and the item falls within restrictions.
The announcement by the public transport operator comes following the implementation of a registration scheme for people wishing to carry large musical instruments on the MTR spurred by public uproar after several passengers were asked to leave stations in September for carrying instruments such as a cello.
That scheme was made permanent by the MTR Corporation in March after a four-month trial, but the company did not allow for large sports equipment to be taken on board, a move which drew criticism from the sporting community.
Allen Ding Ka-chun, operations manager for the East Rail Line, said that from August 1, commuters who have registered as permit holders will be allowed to carry one piece of sporting equipment with a length of up to 145cm and a combined length, width and height of up to 235cm.
The same dimensions apply to musical instruments, and as with instruments the permit is not applicable between 8.15am and 9.15am from Monday to Friday.
Ding said sporting equipment also needed to comply with MTR by-laws.
“We will also consider whether the equipment poses a threat to the safety of passengers. For example, we will look at whether the item has a sharp side. This applies to all items regardless of size,” Ding said.
Passengers carrying equipment with a length not exceeding 130cm and a combined length, width and height not in excess of 170cm will not require a permit.
He said that in revising the scheme, the MTR had consulted representatives from the sports industry and placed safety as their primary consideration.
He said existing holders would not need to renew their permits or apply again as the permits would be extended to sports equipment automatically.
Most equipment falls within the restrictions, including a standard set of golf clubs and certain fishing rods, hockey sticks and even bicycles after dismantling, he said.
But Fred Man, a fishing enthusiast, said a dismantled fishing rod would still have two sections exceeding 145cm. He said the arrangement by the MTR was “unfair” and that most anglers carried fishing rods in a bag, which was safe, and he had not witnessed passenger complaints.
Chan Kwok-ming, a coach with the Billiard Sports Control Council, welcomed the move.
“Most standard snooker cues are 144.8cm,” he said. “I am happy the MTR is willing to take this step and some snooker fans can benefit.”
