In a densely populated city that is home to nearly 7.5 million people, Hong Kong’s transportation system plays a vital role in maintaining a network and facilitating connections between nearly 4 million Hong Kong residents and their daily destinations. The MTR is recognized worldwide not only as a mode of efficient transport, but also as an icon of structural and technical ingenuity. Admired for its operational efficiency and reliability, the MTR serves as a model for transportation systems around the world. Unfortunately, what was meant to be an example of innovative excellence has been overshadowed by the recent increase in railway suicides.

Railway suicide incidents have become a significant cause for concern this year. As of Oct 30, there had been nine cases of suicides — up from an average of four cases per year previously. According to data from the Coroner’s Court, most suicide cases occur on platforms on which screen doors have not been installed.

MTR Corp, as Hong Kong’s primary transportation provider, holds an exclusive franchise until 2057 to operate and maintain the railway system. With this responsibility, MTR Corp has a duty to construct, operate and maintain the railway having due regard to the safety of people using the railway. A safety management system must be continually reviewed so that safety risks are minimized as far as reasonably practicable. Further, if the railway is being operated in a manner that is likely to cause a risk of injury to individuals, MTR Corp may be required to carry out work to eliminate such risks.

In light of the multiple recent railway suicide incidents, it is evident that the lack of platform screen doors poses a safety risk to passengers. MTR Corp has announced its plan to finish installing platform screen doors along the East Rail Line by the end of 2025, demonstrating that installing platform screen doors is a reasonably practicable effort to minimize passengers’ risk of injury. It has been delayed for more than 10 years. However, urgent action is needed to speed up the process of prioritizing the safety of Hong Kong residents.

Restrictions, such as installing platform screen doors, as a suicide prevention method is a well-researched area and has proved to be effective. A 2009 study evaluating the effectiveness of barrier installations in preventing railway suicides in Hong Kong from 1997-2007 revealed that deaths from railway suicides declined by 79 percent, suicide attempts decreased by 60 percent, and overall railway accidents were reduced by approximately 68 percent.

Ultimately, a safer environment will be created for everyone and the MTR may serve as a global example, boasting a reputation as the city’s trusted transportation system

Similarly, data from studies in the Chinese mainland, Japan and South Korea assessing the effectiveness of installing platform screen doors on their railway transportation have also been consistent in showing significant reductions in suicide cases. Seoul experienced an 89 percent decrease, Japan a 76 percent decrease, and installing full-height platform screen doors in Shanghai completely eliminated the risk as passengers were unable to access the track.

Given the gravity of recent railway suicide incidents, MTR Corp is urged to take proactive and timely action to safeguard the well-being of the public. Installing platform screen doors is not only crucial for preventing suicides, but also for preventing accidents and in providing a safe environment for passengers. Also, it has shown to be cost-effective after taking into consideration the loss of human lives and the operational delay to all involved passengers. Therefore, first and foremost, the priority is to speed up the process of installing platform screen doors on all stations with open platforms. Additionally, MTR Corp should review all the cases and identify the profiles of these incidents. Training and support for staff to spot distressed individuals and prominently display crisis hotlines within the station for people to seek help is also needed.

Through a collaborative effort between all stakeholders —MTR Corp, its employees, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, and the community — the safety and well-being of Hong Kong residents must be the primary focus. The urgent installation of platform screen doors should be implemented as a community-based suicide prevention measure. Ultimately, a safer environment will be created for everyone and the MTR may serve as a global example, boasting a reputation as the city’s trusted transportation system.

Paul Yip is the director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for Suicide Research and Prevention, the University of Hong Kong.

Cherie Chung is a project officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for Suicide Research and Prevention, the University of Hong Kong.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.