The MTR Wants to Change Escalator Habits

Hongkongers are so used to standing on the right on escalators

When it comes to the escalator, Hongkongers are very efficient. They have developed a culture of standing on the right so that people who are in a hurry can walk up on the left.

I have made it on time to many appointments because of this and it's also a bit of a workout for my legs.

A few years ago I read that escalators need to get fixed more often because they are not evenly used because people are all standing on the right and not occupying the left side much. 

The MTR wants to change people's habits

Now the MTR wants to change escalator culture by getting commuters to stand on both sides of the escalator. There are over 1,300 escalators in the railway network serving millions of passengers every day.

The MTR Corporation cited public safety as the reason, adding 430 accidents involving station escalators were recorded in the first nine months of the year.

Last week the MTR launched "2024 Escalator Campaign" urging passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator, and use the lift when carrying bulky items. They should also avoid standing too close to the edge of the escalator steps and be cautious when wearing long or loose clothing.

The campaign immediately sparked heated debate, with some passionately arguing that the city's efficiency was due to its culture of allowing people in a hurry to go on the left, while others thought people occupying both sides would move more commuters faster.

In the meantime the MTR Corporation will try to educate passengers to change their habit of standing on right of the escalator, but will not resort to using by-laws force people to stand on both sides. 

"We hope that passengers will stand steadily on both sides of the escalator for the sake of their own safety and that of others," said Cheris Lee Yuen-ling, the MTR's chief of operating and metro segment.

Does this "2024 Escalator Campaign" end on December 31? Just asking...