Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation is facing renewed scrutiny over its station wayfinding policies after a recent update at Kowloon Bay Station removed a decades-old community landmark from directional signage, replacing it with a newly opened cultural venue. This incident comes on the heels of another public relations challenge at Ho Man Tin Station, prompting transit officials to rapidly re-evaluate how destination names are prioritized on essential station maps and signs.
The controversy highlights a simmering tension between civic memory, community identity, and the promotion of new developments within Hong Kong’s vital public transit system.
Community Landmarks Yield to New Cultural Center
The initial complaint centered on Kowloon Bay Station’s Exit B, a crucial access point for one of the area’s most longstanding residential estates. According to reports flagged by a local Legislative Councillor, social media users noted that signage directing travelers to Amoy Gardens—a massive private housing complex established 44 years ago, comprising nearly 5,000 homes—had been completely removed. In its place, the sign now exclusively points to the recently inaugurated East Kowloon Cultural Centre.
Former lawmaker Michael Tien, who took up the cause despite representing a different geographical constituency, highlighted the significance of the change. Tien noted the substantial resident population affected by the erasure of the familiar name. He immediately pressed the MTR Corporation for clarification, stating publicly that the company’s initial internal response was positive and promised a comprehensive review of the decision. This prompt action signals increasing sensitivity within the corporation to public perception regarding wayfinding priorities.
Ho Man Tin Signage Restoration Sets Precedent
The MTR’s responsiveness is likely influenced by a concurrent, almost identical controversy that took place at Ho Man Tin Station. Public outcry erupted after signage at Exit A was streamlined to feature only “Onmantin,” a newer private residential development. This omission deliberately sidelined the long-established public housing estates—Ho Man Tin Estate and Oi Man Estate—which serve thousands of local residents and act as core community identifiers.
Following significant public debate, the transit company swiftly corrected the signage. The updated sign now reads: Ho Man Tin Estate / Oi Man Estate / Onmantin, effectively reinstating the community names alongside the newer private brand. The decision to list the destinations in the apparent order of their establishment suggests the MTR is adopting a community-first approach.
Jeny Yeung, Managing Director of Hong Kong Transport Services at the MTR Corporation, officially confirmed the Ho Man Tin amendment, validating the public’s pressure for change. Tien praised the reversal, acknowledging that restoring the original names was a vital step in resolving the public relations fallout.
Wayfinding Policy Must Balance Progress and History
These incidents underscore the delicate balance transit authorities must maintain between updating infrastructure for new developments and preserving community heritage. Wayfinding signage is more than just directional; it reinforces local identity and familiarity for long-term residents and visitors alike.
Key considerations the MTR Corporation must address:
- Prioritization of Long-Standing Estates: Implementing a clear policy that prevents the subordination of established, high-density residential areas to newer, often smaller-scale, private developments.
- Community Consultation: Establishing a formal mechanism for input from local district councils or community representatives before making substantial signage changes.
- Balancing New Venues: Integrating major new public facilities, such as the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, without completely erasing established residential landmarks.
The robust public reaction confirms that residents view these signs as integral parts of their daily lives and community identity. As Hong Kong continues to evolve, the MTR Corporation has a responsibility to ensure its signage reflects the city’s complex, layered history, not just its newest additions. The resolution of the Ho Man Tin incident offers a template for how the transit authority can resolve the ongoing dispute at Kowloon Bay.