The MTR chief admitted yesterday that the decision to impose a 10-cent per journey surcharge on Octopus card holders was an 'extraordinary' move.
Card holders have paid the extra charge from July 3 to fund the installation of platform safety screen doors on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan and Island lines. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2006.
However, Jack So Chak-kwong, chairman of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation told transport panel members yesterday that passengers would not be asked to foot the bill for further improvements to facilities.
Democrat Andrew Cheng Kar-foo had said he feared the corporation might charge passengers extra fees to fund other improvements.
'The MTR might suddenly find that all tracks should be replaced due to safety reasons and impose extra fees on passengers,' he said, adding that it was the MTR's responsibility to ensure passenger safety.
Mr So said the decision to install platform screen doors had been made in response to public requests. He said the extra fee was 'extraordinary' and would not be repeated.