The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point experienced a network congestion issue last Friday (May 2), causing passengers to be unable to activate their ticket QR codes for entry and exit. To solve the problem, the MTR Corporation intermittently allowed passengers to exit without tapping their Octopus cards to ease the crowd. In response to an inquiry from Ta Kung Pao yesterday (May 4), the MTR stated that they had increased Wi-Fi capacity before May 1 and enhanced the station's mobile network data processing capabilities during the Golden Week.
An IT expert believes that to solve the problem fundamentally, the MTR must learn from this experience and review the digital infrastructure planning at the station, including expanding the fiber optic network capacity and improving 5G base stations in the area.
According to a reader of Ta Kung Pao, Lok Ma Chau on May 2 experienced a surge of incoming passengers, with many entering the gates without tapping their cards or scanning codes. Online clips showed that the Lok Ma Chau station platform was packed, and two escalators were out of operation, forcing passengers to walk down.
The MTR responded that on May 2, many passengers were trying to activate their ticket QR codes simultaneously during both the morning entry and evening exit periods, which overwhelmed the mobile data and free Wi-Fi, leading to longer wait times. From about 9:45 PM to 10:30 PM, the station allowed passengers to exit without tapping their cards.
Following the incident, the MTR contacted telecom network providers to enhance mobile network data processing capacity and arranged for engineering work to double the Wi-Fi capacity at Lok Ma Chau station the next day. They also implemented crowd management measures and increased staff to remind transit passengers to activate their QR codes in advance.
MTR: No fees for Affected Passengers
In response to Ta Kung Pao's inquiry, the MTR stated that they would not seek to recover fares from affected passengers who were allowed to exit without tapping their cards.
The MTR noted that they had preemptively increased Wi-Fi capacity before May 1 to accommodate the anticipated rise in demand. During the "Golden Week," they coordinated with telecom providers to enhance mobile network data processing capabilities at Lok Ma Chau station, resulting in improved Wi-Fi capacity. Observations indicated that passengers were then able to use their ticket QR codes smoothly. The company also reminded passengers through various channels to consider using Octopus cards or other payment methods for entry and exit.
IT expert and CEO and Co-founder of Skyzer VC Group, Eric Yeung Chuen-sing, explained that the issue stemmed from insufficient data. He also emphasized that the MTR must learn from this experience to enhance the hardware infrastructure at the stations.
"It's like installing broadband at home; the homeowner needs to 'open the door' for technicians to install fiber optics and antennas, which can be done quickly within days or a week—it's quite simple!"
Some have suggested that the MTR could contact network providers to deploy mobile data vehicles at ports during peak periods to handle sudden surges. However, Yeung believes this method is only suitable for temporary events or outdoor activities and is costly for single-day operations.
He stated that as an important location, Hong Kong must quickly enhance the digital infrastructure planning at various ports, expanding 5G base stations and fiber optic network capacity to find a long-term solution.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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