MTR's latest escalator safety campaign highlights Hold On, Stand Still

The MTR launches its annual escalator safety campaign with the new slogan "Hold On, Stand Still" to remind passengers to prioritize safety for themselves and others while riding the escalator.

Being a city known for its speed and convenience comes with its own downsides. Including frequent scenes of people rushing up escalators, or dragging trolleys and suitcases up with them, often resulting in injury.

The MTR has already recorded 233 cases of escalator accidents in the first 6 months of 2026.

The number of incidents average around 500 every year, 60% of which resulting from people not holding the handrail, losing their balance, carrying heavy items, or simply walking on the escalator.

Yet most people find it quite safe.

Saudi Arabian tourist AHMED: "I usually hold the handrail and wait, since there's a lot of people in line. It seems like everyone is trying to get somewhere."

GARFF: "Hong Kong people are very good at lining up to one side so that people who need to go faster can do that."

But there is always room for improvement on safety.

The MTR has released a new promotional video in a bid to strengthen safety standards while taking the escalator.

The campaign also advises those who feel unwell, or are carrying heavy baggage and bulky items like strollers, suitcases, or trolleys, to avoid the escalator and opt for the lift instead.

Cherie Lee, Deputy Director of the MTR Operations and Metro Segment says the MTR uses big data analytics to identif escalators with higher accident rates, allowing them to deploy more staff where needed.

As passenger traffic inceases during the summer holidays, the MTR will station more safety ambassadors across its network over the coming weeks to promote the safe use of escalators.