Letters | How MTR can play fairy godmother to Hong Kong’s nightlife
- Readers discuss how transport at night could boost the government’s ‘Night Vibes’ campaign, and cases of unauthorised building works at a luxury residential estate
Five major tube lines in London run a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Called the Night Tube, the overnight train service, which was launched in 2016, plays an active role in supporting the nightlife and economy of the city.
According to the mayor of London, the Night Tube helps to boost the city’s economy by £77 million per year (HK$733 million) and supports 2,000 permanent jobs.
More importantly, the Night Tube supports many workers who travel to and from work in the early hours. This population amounts to 50 per cent of London’s night bus users. As such, the night tube services also benefit an often overlooked group which supports the workings of the city after dark.
Given that the Night Vibes campaign will include a night bazaar along the Wan Chai promenade, and special activities in Lan Kwai Fong, Disneyland and Ocean Park, it would make practical sense to extend MTR services to support these events, allowing locals and visitors alike to travel across the city and access the array of activities available.