The Nano Initiative

Public-health issues pose potential risks to our business as we manage a heavily-used community asset, moving on average 2.5 million passengers per week day. Since the SARS epidemic of 2003, the risk of future viral and other communicable disease outbreaks remains a constant threat. Prevention is currently our best defence. In October, the Corporation initiated the programme to reduce the spread of communicable diseases with the application of Nano-Silver-Titanium Dioxide Coating (NSTDC) on all commonly passenger-touched areas within the MTR system (escalator handrails, grab poles on trains, buttons on ticketing machines, etc.). The same technology is being applied to MTR-managed shopping malls, headquarter offices and staff recreational facilities. NSTDC is an effective catalyst in killing of a wide range of bacteria, moulds and viruses. Once dried, the protective surface remains active for about three years and is harmless to humans.

Our programme has led to a series of enquiries from government departments and private companies as to the effectiveness and use of the agent, and the subsequent possible application in their own public facilities.