MTR Shutdown Good For Passengers: Frank Chan

Transport Secretary Frank Chan says the MTR Corporation's decision to shut down 11 stations from late Tuesday morning over protest fears is a good move for passengers.

Speaking after attending the morning's flag-raising ceremony in Wan Chai, Chan said the railway company's decision was appropriate, and good for travellers, the public in general, and in the interests of safety.

Asked by reporters whether shutting down part of the rail network suggested some form of martial law has been imposed in Hong Kong, Chan said the overall security situation has to be considered, especially on National Day.

But Democratic Party legislator Lam Cheuk-ting said the MTR Corporation is clearly working with the government to try to prevent people from taking to the streets.

He said millions of people would be affected by the station closures and railway bosses were ignoring their social responsibility to provide the city's residents with a proper transport service.

Lam added that the move would inevitably lead to even more public anger and further protests.

Wan Chai, Prince Edward and Admiralty stations did not open at all on Tuesday morning, while the MTR Corporation said Causeway Bay, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin, Che Kung Temple, Tsuen Wan, Tsuen Wan West and Tuen Mun stations would all shut at 11am.