The MTR Corporation is to introduce a special registration system for passengers carrying large musical instruments on to the metro system. Such passengers will only be allowed into the system during off-peak hours.

MTRC Operations Director Jacob Kam told a press conference on Tuesday that there will still be a cap on size to ensure the safety of commuters.

MTRC Operations Director Jacob Kam
MTRC Operations Director Jacob Kam. Photo: RTHK Screencap.

“We believe we will be able to launch it within a month of November… For very large items like pianos, or grand pianos or harps, we do not believe they are appropriate for transportation on the mass transit railway,” Kam said.

The announcement follows a protest where passengers accused the company of applying luggage rules inconsistently and harassing musicians.

mtr protest
Photo: SocRec.

Last month, a Baptist University music student was warned by MTR staff after bringing their cello into Tai Wai station.

The MTRC says that more details will be announced at the end of October.

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

HK$
HK$

Members of HK$150/month unlock 8 benefits: An HKFP deer keyring or tote; exclusive Tim Hamlett columns; feature previews; merch drops/discounts; "behind the scenes" insights; a chance to join newsroom Q&As, early access to our Annual/Transparency Report & all third-party banner ads disabled.

The Trust Project HKFP
Journalist Trust Initiative HKFP
Society of Publishers in Asia
International Press Institute
Oxfam Living Wage Employer
Google Play hkfp
hkfp app Apple
hkfp payment methods
YouTube video
YouTube video

Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at industry events, schools and conferences around the world.