Hong Kong, 13 November 2024: In a fast-moving world, Akshinthala Seshu Babu has made his name by being anything but. The tenacious Indian holds the world record for remaining motionless, clocking a remarkable 35 hours without twitching a muscle, all while dressed up as his hero Mahatma Gandhi. “I want to spread Ghandi’s message about living in harmony,” reveals Babu, who trains for his feats of endurance with yoga, cycling and jogging. A case of running to stand still, if you like.
Bosses of Hong Kong’s subway, the MTR, would like to unleash the Babu in all of us by having passengers stand patiently on the network’s 1,300 escalators. Their plea comes after 430 related safety incidents in the first nine months of this year. About 60% of the mishaps involved people who were not holding handrails, lost their balance while walking, were bumped by others or were carrying bulky items.
Like many major cities, Hong Kong has unwritten escalator etiquette that sees passengers stand on the right and leave the left free for anyone in a hurry. “We recognise that changing habits requires a collective effort, so we urge everyone to be considerate of themselves and others by holding onto the handrails and refraining from walking,” says MTR executive Cheris Lee.
Not everyone is convinced. Opponents insist the initiative is at odds with our city’s fast-paced culture and the existing unofficial arrangement suits all passengers, from those happy to take their time to others in a rush. Disputes are “highly likely” if hurrying commuters are held up by people in their way, opines district councillor and engineer Christine Fong. But safety is not the MTR’s only rationale. It cites a pilot scheme at London’s Holborn tube station which has revealed standing on both sides of an escalator reduces congestion and increases capacity by up to 30%.
Thankfully, the MTR is not enforcing the new policy through its by-laws, which state escalators should be used “in such manner and order as is directed by the corporation”, with offenders facing up to six months in jail and a HK$5,000 maximum fine. Quite right, says lawmaker and former MTR operations manager Gary Zhang, who points out it would be ridiculous to punish someone for walking on an empty moving staircase. “We do not need to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach,” he insists.
Rather, education and promotion are the way forward. A publicity campaign is being fronted by singer Jan Lamb, while MTR staff are visiting schools and working with charity groups to advise children and the elderly. Stations are making regular announcements and have on-site ambassadors to convey the message.
Will hordes of rugby fans, many from overseas, adhere to the new policy when our world-famous Hong Kong Sevens is held in late March? Will they even notice? Crowd control is, of course, a major concern with the showpiece being held at our sparkling new Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time. The authorities are taking no chances.
Tens of thousands of civil servants are being mobilised for some 20 trial runs across the park’s three main venues – stadium, indoor arena and junior sports ground – ahead of the official opening. Chief Secretary Eric Chan is promising real-time tests, such as monitoring how people leave after a concert that ends in the late evening and ways transport systems can be best deployed. Sevens fans will face a minimum 18-minute walk to Sung Wong Toi MTR station, while Kai Tak station is six minutes further. At least they can rest on the escalators when they get there.
MTR chiefs are also under pressure to trial another scheme: one that would allow pets on trains. All animals, bar guide dogs, are typically banned on public transport, but bus operator KMB is now blazing a trail by offering pet-friendly services on four routes across our city on weekends and public holidays. The initiative has been an instant hit, with dog and cat owners lining up to take their furry friends on new adventures. Lawmaker Benson Luk wants the MTR to follow suit, although he concedes it is easier for bus operators “as they have specific routes and timings”. The Environmental and Ecology Bureau has previously cited high passenger volumes and hygiene concerns for resisting such a move.
It may happen one day. Official figures show one in 10 Hong Kong households has a dog or cat. Post-pandemic hybrid working arrangements are allowing citizens to spend more time with their animals; expenditure on pets has risen 50% in the past five years; and we have just witnessed a hugely successful three-day Hong Kong Cat Expo. It is a fact that pets are increasingly a lifestyle choice for young couples who prefer not to have children.
Ah yes, our city’s famously low birth rate is back in the news thanks to a brilliant suggestion from lawmaker Bill Tang. He thinks cute baby photos should be displayed in government offices to encourage civil servants to have children. Inspired by such images, “they will not want to work overtime and instead go home and spend time with their wife”. While sparking laughter among fellow lawmakers, his comments have been dismissed as sexist by some commentators, who point out 39% of civil servants are women. His female colleagues have also highlighted weightier considerations for would-be parents such as affordability, sacrifice and lack of living space.
Bizarre ideas aside, Hong Kong’s low fertility level remains a headache. As MTR chiefs might wryly note, when it comes to reproduction, our city is standing still.
Until next time, everybody!
Colin Cohen
Senior Partner
Boase Cohen & Collins
