Some MTR passengers yesterday said they had no choice but to use the network even if fares were raised while others said they would consider switching to buses.
Twenty-year-old university student Yip Shing-lam said the increase was acceptable. 'A two to three per cent increase is rather small. I think it is just normal for the company to raise fares. After all, the MTRC bears big operational costs,' he said.
Retired Yip Yin-foot, 63, said the increase would penalise people with low incomes and he and his grandchildren would travel more on buses. 'The MTRC should not raise fares when the economy is declining. This year is not the right time.'
Computer engineer Kong Siu-keung, 41, said: 'The MTRC has made a lot of money in the past. I think the profits made are more than sufficient to fund its projects. I don't think passengers should be made to pay for infrastructure costs.'
Matt Tsang, 33, manager of a telecommunications company, said the proposed increase was unreasonable. He said that as a listed company, the MTRC had other ways to raise money besides going after the public. 'If all passengers pay more, the company is going to make a much bigger profit. It is always making money but never reduces fares. Every time it raises fares a little,' he said.
Salesman Ronny Lee Ka-ngai, 45, said the increase was too much but he had no alternative means of transport. 'Travelling on the MTR allows better control of time. I can't afford to meet my clients late.'