Reader response

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 claimed 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. Stated by the author are 6 facts of the MTR. Firstly, the privatization of the MTR Corporation (MTRC) allowed a 37% allocation of their profits in their rail development and improvement as compared to Singapore’s 19%. Secondly, the MTR has a punctuality rate of 99.9%. Thirdly, the MTR has 155 stations across nine prime travelling lines over 221km where maintenances is conducted via a mobile transportation unit that scans for irregularities through “ultrasonic techniques” once every 3 days by 5,800 workers. Lastly, 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.

The article addresses that SMRT has under-invested in its rail maintenance as compared to the MTRC. However, according to Teng (2015), nearly half of SMRT’s revenue is used for maintenance and related expenses unlike the 19% reported by Lee (2015). As reported by Teng (2015), the latter failed to reflect the “other maintenance related budget under accounting”. Therefore, a comparison between the rail maintenance investment of SMRT and MTRC is illogical as they manage their budgets and expenditure differently due to the structure of their rail systems and maintenance schedules. 

Firstly, both Hong Kong’s and Singapore’s rail systems vary vastly in terms of network areas. Mentioned by Lee (2015), MTR has 155 stations with 9 travelling lines. While, the MRT only has 5 travelling lines across 103 stations (System Map (Transitlink), n.d). The MTR stations are grander with more walkways and facilities than the MRT (System Map (MTR), n.d). Thus, with the differences in the rail systems layout, the maintenance budget of both will differ.

Secondly, the public in general tend to perceive ‘maintenance’ in its layman term that is simply, ‘maintenance of trains’. In fact, the maintenance carried out by both corporations are similar yet different. During non-operating hours, both corporations conduct corrective maintenance on their trains and railways for any defects (LTA Singapore, 2016). However, based on, mont iltk (2015), the MTRC invested in ensuring all their trains receive a “Train Preparation Certificate” before operation. These certificates certify that the trains have met all the necessary safety standards set by the country. Since the MTRC invests in certifying all their trains on top of the usual maintenance, the maintenance budget will be higher as compared to SMRT.

Hence, the difference in SMRT’s and MTRC’s rail systems and maintenance schedules will affect the budget and expenditure, therefore, making the comparison of both corporations unjust. 

In conclusion, based on Lee (2015), I agree that the MTR is indeed ‘best in class’ and deserves all its praises. However, I find the article biased as it only stated the positive aspects of the MTR and disregarded its flaws.

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

System Map (Transitlink). (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2017, from https://www.transitlink.com.sg/images/eguide/mrt_sys_map.htm

Teng, A. (2015, October 28). Rail maintenance expenses to account for half of rail revenue: SMRT. Retrieved October 12, 2017, from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/rail-maintenance-expenses-account-half-rail-revenue-smrt?singlepage=true

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

[mont iltk]. (2015, February 06). MTR Caring for life's journeys 2012 CM - Train Preparation Certificates [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=18&v=udze5lWaSqg

[LTA singapore]. (2016, August 12). MRT After Hours: Go behind-the-scene with us!
 [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdFCV0Ukb5g