MTR confirms cancellation of overnight service for Mid-Autumn Festival, cites safety fears linked to Hong Kong protest violence
- Protesters have vandalised dozens of stations in recent weeks, setting fires and destroying equipment
- Rail operator says decision was made after risk assessment and in conjunction with the government
Hongkongers planning to stay out late to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Friday will have to find another way home after the city’s troubled rail giant cancelled its overnight services.
Amid the backdrop of months of anti-government protests, during which dozens of MTR stations have been vandalised, the corporation said the decision came after a risk assessment with relevant government departments in light of “the recent situation”.
The rare move came after the rail operator became the target of protesters’ anger, and has been accused of working with the police and the government against demonstrators.
“Having conducted a risk assessment with relevant government departments in the light of the recent situation, the corporation will maintain normal service hours on the Mid-Autumn Festival, and overnight service will not be provided,” the corporation said.
It promised to step up the frequency of trains on various lines from 3pm to cope with the anticipated increase in passenger numbers, while special crowd control arrangements would be in place at busy stations.