Reader's response draft #1

In the article “Dubbed the ‘best in class’: 6 things about Hong Kong's MTR rail system”, Lee (2015) reported that Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan claims that Hong Kong’s MTR is the ‘best in class’. Mr Khaw then further complimented Hong Kong’s rail system stating that SMRT and SBS transit should adopt Hong Kong’s practices. Examples are the Hong Kong government’s privatization of the MTR Corporation(MTRC) in 2000, which led to a decrease in budget and an increase in competency of the public transportation. This provides room for the MTRC to allocate 37% of their profits to rail “maintenance, renewals and service improvements”, which is adequate as compared to Singapore’s 19%, as claimed by Mr. Khaw. Consequently, the MTR is more punctual and experience less delays and breakdowns than the MRT. The MTR has 155 stations across nine prime travelling lines over 221km where maintenance is conducted via a mobile transportation unit that scans for irregularities through “ultrasonic techniques” once every 3 days. This is more extensive than Singapore’s inspection routine despite Hong Kong’s lines being longer. The MTRC also has an Operations Control Centre (OCC) that monitors the entire system which is paramount to the organisation’s prompt response to emergencies. Therefore, with the enhanced monitoring system, trains in Hong Kong are more effective and efficient than in Singapore.

The article addresses that SMRT has under-invested in its rail maintenance as compared to the MTRC. However, based on SMRT's revenue data, nearly half is used for maintenance and related expenses unlike the 19% stated in the article which has failed to reflect the other maintenance related budget under accounting. Therefore, a comparison between the rail maintenance investment of SMRT and MTRC is illogical for both have diverse ways of managing their budgets and expenditure due to their difference in rail systems and maintenance works.

For starters, having experienced both Hong Kong’s and Singapore’s rail system, one can conclude that they vary vastly in terms of network areas. As mentioned in the article, MTR has 155 stations with 9 travelling lines while the MRT only has 5 travelling lines across 103 stations. Likewise, the MTR stations are grander with more walkways and facilities than the MRT due to the absence of space constraints. Thus, with the difference in layout, the maintenance budget will naturally differ as well.

Secondly, the public in general tend to perceive ‘maintenance’ in its layman’s term; ‘maintenance of trains’. In fact, the maintenance carried out by both corporations are complex, similar and yet different at the same time. During the non-operating hours, both corporations conduct corrective maintenance on their trains and rail ways for any defects. However, the MTRC goes an extra mile by ensuring their trains receive a “Train Preparation Certificates” before heading back on track. These certificates certify that the trains have met all the safety standards. Consequently, the maintenance budget for both will vary.

Lastly, I agree that the MTR is indeed ‘best in class’ and deserves all its praises, however, I find the article biased. I believe SMRT deserves some credits for making our trains accessible, effective, and efficient in their own ways despite their short comings.

References
Kok, L. M. (2016, January 19). Dubbed 'the best in class': 6 things about Hong Kong's MTR rail system. Retrieved September 20, 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/dubbed-the-best-in-class-6-things-about-hong-kongs-mtr-rail-system#xtor=CS1-10

Lim, P. J. (2017, March 17). Rail maintenance expenses could reach 50% of rail revenue in 2016: SMRT. Retrieved September 24, 2017, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/rail-maintenance-expenses-could-reach-50-of-rail-revenue-in-2016-8239112

TODAY Online - Rail maintenance expenses to account for half of rail revenue: SMRT. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2017, from https://www.gov.sg/news/content/today-online-rail-maintenance-expenses-to-account-for-half-of-rail-revenue-smrt

System Map. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/system_map.html

M. (2015, February 06). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=18&v=udze5lWaSqg

L. (2016, August 12). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdFCV0Ukb5g