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An MTR passenger takes a cheeky swig from his bottle. Photo: Felix Wong

Hong Kong lawmakers pour scorn on rail operator’s water ban

Legco subcommittee scrutinising overhaul of outdated by-laws also questions policy on bicycles and swearing

Lawmakers poured cold water on a decision by the city’s railway operator to keep its ban on passengers drinking on platforms and trains.

“You can do whatever you want just to earn more money but passengers can’t even be allowed to take a sip of water?” radical “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung blasted at a meeting on Friday.

Michael Tien Puk-sun also weighed in, asking if the MTR Corp could consider exempting bottled water with a cap on platforms as passengers were unlikely to spill any liquid.

“Many people have the need to drink water on platforms. I think it can be exempted,” he said.

The proposed changes aim to update or scrap obsolete rules to reflect the changing behaviour of Hongkongers and keep up with technology.

They include showing more tolerance towards abusive language, lifting a ban on filming with mobile phones and exempting mobile phone ringtones from a list of offending noises.

Bicycles are only allowed if they can be folded or one wheel is removed. Photo: Edward Wong
But the MTR Corp insisted on maintaining the ban on eating and drinking after gate entry, and prohibiting bicycles unless folded or a wheel was removed.

Operations director Adi Lau Tin-shing said relaxing the drinking ban might cause hygiene or safety problems, but assistance would be provided for those in need of water while commuting.

“Usually we will issue mild warnings or advice first before we really take any action,” he said.

Lawmakers complained that the rigid rules failed to address the differing needs of passengers, in cases such as water and cycling, while Leung said the rule against swearing was ambiguous and might infringe ’ freedom of expression.

“It is proposed that only abusive language likely to cause annoyance or offence to any person would be prohibited. How about if I read the Story of O [an erotic novel] on the train? Would I be considered to have caused offence to anyone?” he asked.

He continued to attack the rule against drinking water. “Drinking water is a human right. You can study how to relax the rule without causing any hygienic or safety problems.”

Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu of the Civic Party called for special arrangements be made to enable the carriage of bicycles without folding or taking off a wheel.

“Some bicycles can’t be folded or have one wheel taken off. Is it possible to conduct a trial during non-peak hours to allow the carriage of bicycles?” he asked.

Lau remained non-committal on the suggested exemptions, saying the MTR needed to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for commuters.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Lawmakers pour scorn on MTR drinking water ban
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