Hong Kong’s MTR Corp announces half-price fares for ‘Thank You Day’ on October 24

Hong Kong’s rail operator will offer half-price fares across its network on October 24, as part of a “Thank You Day”.The MTR Corporation said discounts would apply to Octopus and JoyYou card users on its railway, Light Rail and bus services in the northwestern New Territories, as well as to QR code ticket holders on the heavy rail network.Cross-border journeys to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations on the East Rail line will also be covered.Passengers can combine the half-price discount with interchange and fare saver discounts, a 25 per cent discount on connecting journeys under the monthly pass and the government’s HK$2 (25 US cents) fare concession scheme for elderly passengers and eligible people with disabilities.The offer will cover eligible rail, Light Rail and bus services, as well as cross-border journeys to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations on the East Rail line. Photo: Jelly TseThe discount will not apply to East Rail first class, the Airport Express, MTR feeder bus services, single-journey tickets, contactless card payments or the Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail.“The corporation will deploy additional staff at MTR stations to assist passengers and closely monitor train and station operations to suitably adjust train service and manpower arrangements when necessary,” it said.The promotional day falls under the MTR’s service performance rebate arrangement, part of the fare adjustment mechanism, which offers discounted fares on a designated Saturday or Sunday once the rebate fund reaches HK$25 million.Last year, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan confirmed that the corporation had been fined HK$19.2 million over a five-hour disruption on the Tseung Kwan O line in May, with the penalty allocated to passenger rebates.