The MTR Corporation has reported suspected fare evasion at Tsim Sha Tsui station after reviewing CCTV footage of passengers allegedly following a paying passenger through an exit gate. It said the incident is believed to have occurred at about 11pm on 23 August, and that the passengers involved did not pay the correct fare.
Footage circulating online appears to show a woman paying at an exit gate before several people follow her through without paying. The gate is shown with a red warning light during the incident. The footage is not, by itself, confirmation of individual liability.
The reported numbers differ. Ming Pao said the behaviour appeared to have been repeated at least seven times, with more than 20 people seen leaving in several instances; it reported that the largest group in one instance comprised six people. i-CABLE News reported that as many as 14 people followed the woman through the gate without paying on one occasion.
The two accounts use different counts, and the supplied reports do not explain the discrepancy. The actual number of people involved therefore remains unclear. MTR said it had reported the matter to police, but no further information was provided on whether anyone had been identified, arrested or charged.
MTR urged passengers who see suspected breaches of its bylaws to notify station staff as soon as possible so the matter can be dealt with promptly. The corporation also said it would increase vigilance at stations.