Saturday, November 9, 2024 MTR remains steadfast in its commitment to passenger safety, with ongoing efforts to enhance awareness about escalator safety. On November 8, 2024, MTR initiated the “2024 Escalator Safety Campaign,” unveiling a new promotional video, engaging station announcements, and displaying a series of informative posters. The campaign also includes the presence of escalator safety ambassadors who will perform demonstrations across the stations.
The primary messages of the campaign, “Hold the Handrail, Stand Firm on Either Side” and “Use a Lift When Travelling with Bulky Items,” aim to educate passengers on the importance of safe escalator use and reducing accident risks. Within the MTR’s extensive network, over 1,300 escalators are in operation, daily facilitating the commute of millions. The risks of walking on escalators, such as losing balance or causing disruptions, are significant.
Statistics from the first nine months of the year show 430 escalator-related incidents at MTR stations, with approximately 60% involving individuals who did not hold onto handrails or were carrying large items. Ms Cheris Lee, Chief of Operating & Metro Segment of MTR Corporation, said: “In recent years, many railways around the world have promoted ‘standing firm on escalators’ out of safety consideration. MTR has been advocating ‘Stand Firm and Hold onto the Handrail’ for more than a decade, encouraging passengers to prioritise the safety of themselves.
