Ayra Wang
MTR Corp has come under fire for giving a 30 percent discount to passengers traveling to Shenzhen on the East Rail to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.
The rail company – of which the government owns about 75 percent – unveiled its fare discount after 9am yesterday on the first day after the mainland axed the “black code,” a health declaration requirement for cross-border travelers.
On an online forum, a web user slammed the discount as a means “to stimulate consumption in Shenzhen.” Another posted: “The MTR spares no effort in promoting Shenzhen economy.”
Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun told The Standard the MTR’s discount plan is “unacceptable,” as it makes no sense to give a one-way discount.
Travelers can only get 30 percent off if they depart from designated stations, such as Sha Tin, Mong Kok, Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O, going to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations, until February 29 next year.
Tien said the one-way discount policy will discourage mainland tourists to visit Hong Kong, which conflicts with policies aimed to attract them to the city.
He added that he was surprised as he had been discussing with MTRC a two-way discount strategy that can benefit all passengers.
Passengers must collect the offer via Octopus cards after 9am at digital kiosks at designated stations before boarding to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau after redeeming the offer.
They need to first select “other promotion” on the machine and then select “collect” for “30 percent discount on rides to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau,” then tapping the Octopus card on the reader to finish the procedure.
However, the designated stations do not include stations that are closer to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau, such as Fanling and Sheung Shui stations, and Hong Kong stations were also not on the list.
Lawmaker Lau Kwok-fan urged the rail giant to extend the discount to all the East Rail Lines and to all the stations in Hong Kong.
”The discount plan is unreasonable, unfair and illogical,” Lau said, adding that the departure from stations closer to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau charges passengers more than those further away.
For example, passengers need to spend HK$25.70 for the ride to two ports from Sheng Shui station, the nearest station to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau, but they only need to pay HK$22.50 for the ride from Tai Wai station, which is seven stations away, Lau said on Facebook.
”The current discount plan is just a public relations show.”
MTR said it “is a short-term promotional activity to attract passengers from the 26 stations and surrounding areas to use the East Rail Line to cross the border,” adding it will monitor the market to launch new plans.
ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com
The post Rail discount panned for running ‘counter to tourism policies of HK’ appeared first on Hong Kong News Hub.
from
https://hongkongnewshk.com/rail-discount-panned-for-running-counter-to-tourism-policies-of-hk/
No comments:
Post a Comment