MTR’s “Stand on Both Sides” Campaign Sparks Controversy
In
November
2024,
Hong
Kong’s
MTR
Corporation
introduced
a
new
safety
campaign
urging
passengers
to
"stand
on
both
sides"
of
escalators.
Traditionally,
commuters
in
Hong
Kong
stand
on
the
right
side,
leaving
the
left
side
free
for
those
wishing
to
walk.
This
practice
has
long
been
a
convention,
mirroring
similar
habits
seen
in
cities
like
London.
The
campaign
aims
to
reduce
the
number
of
escalator-related
accidents.
Statistics
revealed
that
in
the
first
nine
months
of
2024,
there
were
430
such
incidents
on
MTR
escalators.
Many
of
these
accidents
were
caused
by
passengers
walking
on
escalators,
losing
balance,
or
being
bumped
by
others.
To
address
these
safety
concerns,
the
MTR
deployed
ambassadors
at
escalators,
holding
signs
promoting
the
"stand
on
both
sides"
guideline.
The
initiative
has
sparked
mixed
reactions
among
commuters.
Critics
argue
that
standing
on
both
sides
slows
them
down,
particularly
during
rush
hours,
as
walking
provides
a
faster
option
for
those
in
a
hurry.
However,
supporters
emphasise
the
importance
of
prioritising
safety,
pointing
out
the
risks
of
walking
on
escalators,
including
falls
and
collisions.
This
debate
echoes
similar
discussions
in
other
cities,
where
campaigns
promoting
escalator
safety
and
efficiency
have
faced
resistance.
Group discussion
A local newspaper is inviting public opinions on the controversy surrounding the MTR’s "Stand on Both Sides" campaign. Your group has been asked to write a letter to the editor sharing your views. In your group, decide on the main points for the letter.
Whether the campaign is effective in improving escalator safety
How to balance public safety concerns with commuter convenience
Suggestions for refining the campaign to make it more acceptable
Anything else you think is important
Individual response
Have you ever stood or walked on an escalator during rush hour? What was it like?
Do you think it’s safer to stand on both sides of an escalator, or should people be allowed to walk? Why?
How do you feel when escalators are crowded, and you can’t move as quickly as you want?
Have you ever seen someone trip or have an accident on an escalator? What happened?
What do you usually do to stay safe when using an escalator?
How would you feel if you were asked to follow the “stand on both sides” rule during busy times?
Do you think safety rules like this are more important than saving time? Why or why not?
How do you usually feel about crowded places like train stations during rush hour?
Why do you think rules are important in places like train stations or shopping malls?
Have you ever seen people not following rules in public places? How did it affect others?
Ideas for you
Essential Vocabularies
Useful Expressions
Thinking Aspects
Special and Refreshing Points