Unknown signalling system problem caused Hong Kong’s October MTR chaos, operator says

  • Firm hit with an HK$8 million penalty for service delays that left rail network in chaos
  • Penalty to be given back to passengers in form of fare concessions late next year, says MTR boss

Central MTR station was heavily congested on October 16. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong’s rail operator will be hit with an HK$8 million (US$1.02 million) penalty for service delays in October that saw an unprecedented simultaneous breakdown of four MTR lines.

The operator on Wednesday submitted a final report on the shutdown to the government in which it said a previously unknown incompatibility between two signalling systems caused the chaos.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.