HONG KONG – The MTR on Thursday announced no fare hikes for Octopus card holders for the year and two months’ rent cut for small to medium tenants to help passengers and businesses amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

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Rents for small to medium retail outlets at all MTR stations and 13 shopping malls will be reduced by half in February and March, the MTR said

The MTR said the existing 3.3-percent rebate scheme, originally due to expire on April 4, would be extended to the end of June. In addition, the MTR would ensure that there is no actual adjustment to train fares for the remainder of the year by means of fare rebates or other arrangements.

The existing prices of the MTR City Saver, all five types of Monthly Pass Extra and the Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass will also remain unchanged until the end of June 2020.  

Rents for small to medium retail outlets at all MTR stations and 13 shopping malls will be reduced by half in February and March, the MTR said. Large corporate tenants will also be supported but considerations will be made on a case-by-case basis, the rail operator added.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in January, the corporation’s revenue from the various train services, station commercial businesses and MTR Malls have been severely affected. However, we also see tremendous pressure on different sectors of the society and some of the small to medium tenants are having difficulties to stay afloat,” said Jacob Kam Chak-pui, chief executive officer of MTR Corporation in a press release issued on Thursday.

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“As a member of the Hong Kong community, we hope to do the best we can to support the community during the difficult times,” Kam added.