In the letter headlined, 'Fare regulation system not right for corporation' (South China Morning Post, October 28), Miranda Leung of the MTR Corporation is just beating about the bush in her efforts to dismiss Jake van der Kamp's logic ('Monitor' column, Business Post, October 8) of suggesting the MTR follows the RPI-X (retail price inflation minus X variable) formula in determining the fare mechanism. If we follow Mr van der Kamp's proposal and use the retail prices of basic fast food like a bowl of noodles or a McDonald's menu for comparison, we can easily find out if MTR fares are affordable to the common commuter. Take the New York City transit system. A ride on the longest journey across the city with a complimentary free transfer on a bus costs the commuter less than the price of 1.5 hot dogs. In Hong Kong, however, a similar MTR trip may cost you as much as a McDonald's breakfast or meal. Yet, many people continue to use the system, because they have no choice. NALINI DASWANI Kowloon
