Hong Kong Taps Actor Kent Cheng for Escalator Safety

Hong Kong's subway system is trying to undo four decades of muscle memory, and they've brought in a familiar face to help.

The MTR Corporation just launched a campaign starring veteran actor Kent Cheng to tackle a surprisingly stubborn problem: more than 500 people get hurt on escalators every year. The 75-year-old is using his catchphrase from playing ancient Chinese politician Dong Zhao in a popular 2012 drama to deliver a simple message about standing still.

Since the 1980s, Hong Kong commuters have followed the "stand right, walk left" rule religiously. It seemed efficient and polite, mirroring practices in London and cities worldwide.

But the rail operator discovered something counterintuitive. Encouraging everyone to stand on both sides is actually safer and moves more people through stations faster.

The company started pushing this new approach in 2024, but convincing millions of daily riders to abandon their ingrained habits has proven tough. That's where star power comes in.

The Ripple Effect

Aaron Kei, founder of Train Not Arriving, one of Hong Kong's largest rail fan groups, points out that changing global norms takes more than time. It requires creativity and compelling evidence that the new way actually works better.

The campaign will run across station displays and social media, reaching millions of daily commuters. If successful, it could influence transit systems worldwide that are grappling with the same safety concerns.

Hong Kong isn't alone in rethinking escalator etiquette. Transit authorities globally are discovering that the walk-left tradition, while well-intentioned, creates uneven wear on equipment and increases accident risk when rushing passengers collide with standing riders.

The campaign represents a broader shift in how cities approach public safety. Instead of just posting rules, transit operators are learning that behavior change requires cultural ambassadors who can make new habits feel natural rather than imposed.

Kent Cheng's involvement brings warmth and familiarity to what could otherwise feel like bureaucratic nagging. His presence signals that this isn't about control but genuine care for rider wellbeing.

Sometimes the smallest changes in our daily routines can create the biggest impact on community safety.