Bag bother

I WAS shocked today to see posters at MTR stations specifying dimensions for luggage that can be carried when travelling by train, especially since the dimensions seem unreasonable.

The MTR is supposed to be transport for the public and should therefore have incentives to make it more convenient for public use.

Many retired residents earn their living by trading goods - travelling to Lo Wu to buy goods at cheaper prices and selling them in Hong Kong. Forcing these people to travel by taxis because their bags exceed the stated dimensions would eat away the meagre profits they make.

The roads are already too congested, and the situation would worsen if people who normally use the MTR are now forced to transport their shopping bags/luggage by taxi.

I have been to several countries, and this is the first time I have seen such a policy for train users. In fact, in Bombay every local train has two compartments (the one adjacent to the driver and the one adjacent to the guard) specifically allocated for people travelling with luggage so other commuters are not inconvenienced.

I can understand the MTR requesting people not to carry bulky packages during peak hours - that is both acceptable and desirable. I think the Consumer Council and all Social Service groups who work for the poor, should protest over this new restriction.