HK commuters frustrated by protester-led traffic paralysis

A chaotic, difficult Monday frustrated thousands of Hong Kong commuters as radical protesters deliberately disrupted train services in several MTR stations and occupied a key cross-harbor tunnel.

Rushed travelers tried to argue with the protesters, but to no avail. Many were stranded in MTR stations due to the disruption.

Radical protesters opposing the SAR government’s already-suspended extradition law amendment threatened paralysis of the city’s public transport system, and planned public meetings in seven locations for the afternoon.

Almost no passengers were seen waiting at the normally bustling bus stations next to the Hung Hom Cross-harbour Tunnel, which was blocked by extremist protesters three times over the past weekend. They used barricades to block the tunnel again this morning. Following the blockage, police swiftly cleared the obstruction.

At least seven MTR lines in Hong Kong were affected owing to the disruptive actions by protesters, according to the Transport Department. Bus service will be strengthened in light of that, said Albert Ho Kwan-hang, the department’s chief transport officer.

FirstBus and CityBus in Hong Kong announced eight daytime bus lines have been re-routed due to the closure of several roads.