MTR has received heavy criticism after a picture showing a schoolgirl being refused to board a train while carrying a musical instrument went viral. Critics slammed the railway for double standards and enforcing rules selectively, as parallel traders, who they argue also break the rules, are not accosted.
The picture, originally circulated by Facebook group “Tai Wan Coalition”, shows the schoolgirl at Tai Wai MTR Station carrying a traditional Chinese musical instrument on her back. She was surrounded and refused entry by three staff members at the concourse for carrying a bulky item.
The railway quickly found itself embattled after an avalanche of criticism poured in from social media. Netizens condemned the MTR for its “double standards”, saying parallel traders who carry much bulkier items are often left alone.
To prove this point, dozens of pictures showing people travelling on MTR trains with huge packages of fruit, luggage, and even a washing machine and a mattress were uploaded.
Below is a selection of pictures netizens uploaded onto MTR’s official Facebook page in response:
Another Facebook group “Ma On Shan Matters (馬鞍山人，馬鞍山事)” started a sarcastic “super-cooperation movement”, where they called on the public to help the “selectively blind” MTR staff catch “Chinese tourists and smugglers that cause extreme nuisance with their TV-sized luggage”.
MTR confirmed that the schoolgirl was refused entry due to her luggage, which she left the station. A spokesperson told Apple Daily that they hoped they did not cause “too much of a distress” to the girl. They insisted that their luggage rules apply to all passengers.
A similar incident occurred in July when an ex-snooker player and Asian Games gold medallist received a warning letter from the MTR for carrying his cue on a train. The MTR argued that the cue was too long and in violation of its by-laws.
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