Q Will the $10 surcharge put you off using the MTR?
I live in Tsuen Wan. If I have to deliver something over the barrier to a friend in Central, the $10 surcharge would not discourage me from doing so.
I would use my Octopus to enter at Tsuen Wan and travel to Central. I would hand the parcel, or whatever, over to my friend in Central without me exiting.
On my way back to Tsuen Wan, I would exit at Tai Wo Hau and pay $3.80 for a 'one-station ride'.
Then I would re-enter again, travel back to Tsuen Wan and pay $3.80 for another one-station ride. I would end up in paying a total of $7.60.
By the same logic, I would do the same if I had to deliver something from Lai Chi Kok to a friend in Tai Koo. I would exit at Cheung Sha Wan on my way back, re-enter again and travel back to Lai Chi Kok. I would also pay a total of $7.60.
However, those who travel from Tung Chung have to watch out. A 'one-station ride' takes them to Tsing Yi. The Octopus fare is $12.60 and this is the 'minimum' single fare all passengers must pay when travelling.