Underground System

It's always a relief to get on the Hong Kong underground system, remembering the cramp and dirty stations and carriages in London. We cannot blame on the oldness and ideas of the Tube system as it was built over 100 years before the Hong Kong Underground. Although it is the world's first underground system, but first come sacrifices. At the time, the idea must've been eye opening but they didn't have any other system or mistakes to learn upon. However, it was definitely an important lesson to other systems that were built after.

Both systems cannot be fairly compare as there is a 100 years gap between them, but I believe there is something simple which the tube system can learn from the Hong Kong Underground: The MTR. One of the advantages the MTR has is the pristine condition of the carriages and the stations. In the MTR, people are not allowed to drink and eat in all paid area of the station. This means, anywhere beyond the gates. If caught, the is a hefty $1500 Hong Kong dollars, which is around £110. People in Hong Kong look at money in a really tight manner, therefore there is no way they will risk it.

From this, I remember reading about the 'Broken Window Theory'. Where if an area is left to rot, with no orders, then people will start to abuse it. This is a short description of the theory, but it is what the Tube system is experiencing. By cleaning up the Tube carriages and stations, at the same time placing signs and regulations about no eating/drinking. The whole system will look better and people will act accordingly. For example, the Jubilee line is the newest line in the Tube system, it is well lit, well designed and futuristic. The 'Broken Windows Theory' does not apply on this line, as it is cleaner and new. However, compare this to the Waterloo and City line (one of the oldest Tube line), the theory can be seen clearly there.

On the other hand, there is something major which the MTR should learn from the Tube. It is not necessarily how the Tube is operated but is how the people act. The manners of the British people are generally renowned, 'British Gentlemen' as people say. When it compares to the manners of people in Hong Kong, is a totally different world. One thing I noticed, is in the UK, people do let others to exit the train first before they get on the train. However, in Hong Kong is more like 'First come first served'. As you can see for an example below.

If the Tube can have signs and laws about not eating/drink on the Tube, then the MTR should have signs and laws regarding about manners, letting people to get off first. With how people in Hong Kong care so much about money, I believe it could be one of the most polite cities in the making!

More debate at:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/archive/index.php/t-237143.html