Valid ticket needed for MTR 'paid areas'

I refer to the letters from Mark Bayley of Pokfulam and Cheung Yue-chung of Mid-Levels on the entry and exit arrangements at Hong Kong Station and Central Station (South China Morning Post, July 24 and 26).

The Central subway linking Central station with Hong Kong station was built as part of the Airport Railway project. It provides an efficient and convenient pedestrian link for MTR passengers to interchange between the Island Line, the Tsuen Wan Line and the Tung Chung Line without having to go through any more ticket gates. As such, the Central subway is within the 'paid' area of the station. To ensure the opportunities for fraud are reduced to a minimum, the MTR, like most railways, insists that passengers have a valid ticket within the defined 'paid' area.

The same logic applies to Central station. Once a passenger has entered the station through an entry gate, he or she is already in the 'paid' area and is entitled to take a ride on the MTR. A valid ticket is required.

MIRANDA LEUNG

Corporate Relations Manager

MTR Corporation