Over 96% of trips in Hong Kong are completed by public transport. In 2018, Hong Kong was ranked number 1 on ARCADIS’ Sustainable Mobility Index, in part due to the highly efficient operation of the MTR system, which also has the highest farebox recovery rate in the world. Hong Kong’s urban metro operation model has been exported around the world to cities such as Beijing, Sydney, Stockholm, and even Crossrail in London – the largest urban infrastructure project in Europe this decade.
Behind some of these operations is one down-to-earth Head of Operations – Francis Li. His balding head and well-rounded figure has been caricatured into a cartoon character to remind MTR passengers of safety tips. I love catching the first train when a new line or station opens so I get to see him in opening ceremonies all the time. He distributes limited edition commemorative plastic cardholders that are only available to first train passengers whenever he inspects his new stations.
