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| The Hong Kong MTR is considered one of the best managed railway systems in the world. |
The HK MTR is an underground subway system that is considered the best in the world while the Philippine MRT is a railway system above ground that has been subject to ridicule and criticism.
Following are a few things the Philippines can learn from Hong Kong’s renowned subway system:
How to make a profit
According to a CNN Money report, the HK MTR earns around $2 billion yearly profit:
“Fares are notoriously cheap ($.50 to $3), but cover roughly 175% of the system’s operating costs…But the company’s real profits are derived from a lesser-known side of the business: property development. Some 50 major properties across Hong Kong are owned, developed or managed by MTR, including two of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.”
Invest in maintenance work
Another Straits Times Singapore article explained that the HK MTR invests substantially in maintenance work:
“Over HK$6 billion or 37 per cent of MTRC’s revenue in 2014 was spent on maintenance, renewals and service improvements on the rail network.”
Develop a central command office
According to the same article, the HK MTR has a high tech central command post and they try to address all issues immediately:
“Called the Super Operations Control Centre (OCC) and located inside the Tsing Yi MTR station, it was completed two years ago and is crucial for coordinating rapid responses when crises erupt…The aim is to resolve every issue within two minutes.”
Make sure trains arrive on time
CNN Money reports that the HK MTR trains almost never arrive late:
“Even with more than 5 million daily commuters, MTR trains boast a 99.9% on-time arrival rate.”
Hire expert consultants
Furthermore, the article cites that the HK MTR group plans to sell their expertise abroad:
“MTR is now exporting its model abroad. It’s already been commissioned to build and run lines in China, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia, and more projects are in the works.”
Perhaps, the Philippines should consider hiring HK MTR consultants to fix the current transportation mess.
Sources:
CNN Money
“How Hong Kong’s subway turns a $2 billion annual profit”
March 30, 2015
The Straits Times Singapore
“Dubbed ‘the best in class’: 6 things about Hong Kong’s MTR rail system”
Oct 29, 2015
