MTR Corporation fined HK$1 million for 7-hour disruption

Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation (MTRC) is set to be fined at least HK$1 million following a significant disruption on the East Rail Line that lasted over seven hours, impacting the morning rush hour. The incident was triggered by an engineer's train that became stuck on the tracks near Tai Wo Station due to a faulty sensor, resulting in delays of up to 24 minutes between services as repairs were underway. The penalty, enacted under the Service Performance Rebate mechanism, will be used to fund rebates for passengers affected by the disruption. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the current penalty system, arguing it fails to reflect the severity of such incidents. MTRC representatives acknowledged the need for improved protocols and communication during emergencies, while a report into the incident is expected within a month. The incident has sparked discussions on whether the MTR's response measures are sufficient to prevent similar occurrences in the future.