Over 30 passengers evade MTR fares by tailgating through Hong Kong station gates

The MTR Corporation has reported to police a suspected mass fare evasion incident at Tsim Sha Tsui station after online footage captured over 30 people tailgating through exit barriers without paying, while station staff failed to intervene.

The incident occurred at around 11pm on August 23, when passengers exited through the turnstiles without paying the correct fare.

Groups Exit Without Tapping Cards

Viral video from last week appeared to show a woman, believed to be a tour guide, tap her card at an exit gate in Tsim Sha Tsui station. As the gates opened, several men and women following her filed through in single file without tapping their own cards, causing the gate indicator to flash red repeatedly. Multiple groups used the same method, with an estimated 30 or more people exiting without paying.

In one instance, as many as six people trailed behind a single card tap to leave the station fare-free. No MTR staff were seen intervening throughout.

Social Media Outrage and MTR Response

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with users expressing shock at the apparent lack of staff response to the fare evasion.

The MTR Corporation said it strongly condemned the behaviour, had reported the matter to police, and would step up station patrols and remain vigilant.

"The company strictly reminds passengers that failing to pay the correct fare or any other form of fare evasion constitutes a violation of the MTR By-laws," an MTR spokeswoman said.

Source: South China Morning Post