MTR wades through floods of crises

Special jobs seconded

Some services had to make way. For example, MTR staff who specialize in providing services to the disabled or other people in need, were temporarily seconded to other jobs.

Some barrier-free facilities that have been damaged still await repairs.

Protesters smashed the only lift at Yau Ma Tei Station. It is located adjacent to Kwong Wah Hospital, a major public hospital in southern Kowloon. As a result, elderly patients of the hospital, as well as the disabled and passengers accompanied by heavy luggage or prams, are forced to take the stairs.

Every single part has its purpose in this vast and complex railway system, the manager said. "Each missing element could create a trail of problems."

The pressure of working overtime seems a small inconvenience when considered alongside the difficulties of enforcing regulations while violent protesters are intent on creating disruption, the manager said.