The Journey to Becoming an Internationally Recognised Leader in Rail
Since its inception, MTR Corporation has shared a rich history of working closely with UK rail specialists to create the company it is today. From the outset, established, experienced operators and engineers from the UK (primarily from London Underground) worked closely with MTR’s Management team to lead intensive training with local colleagues, putting their experience to work using new practices. Many of those trained in the early years later became Directors at MTR.
Over time, MTR gradually moved away from British supply but the ethos of how to operate the railway and the fundamental safety elements remained. One of the cornerstones that contributed to MTR’s success was the merging of essential rail principles with new, innovative practices.
MTR’s International Business strategy gradually saw the company expand into China, Europe, the UK and Australia, bringing practices that were now well-established in Hong Kong to these franchises and joint ventures – including the highest levels of customer service, punctuality and profitability.
The key dates shared below focus primarily on MTR’s development in Hong Kong and the UK. For further details on MTR’s worldwide presence, please see MTR Corporation.
1966
The Government of Hong Kong enlisted British transport consultants to develop proposals for a new rapid transport rail system for the territory.
1975
The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) was established with a mission to construct and operate an urban metro system to meet Hong Kong’s public transport requirements.
1979
After leading the building work of 15 new stations, MTRC oversaw the opening and operation of its first railway line in Hong Kong.
2000
The company was re-established as the MTR Corporation Limited in June 2000 and its shares were listed on Hong Kong’s Stock Exchange in October 2000.
2009
MTR expands operations to the Nordics, taking over operations of the Stockholm Metro, holding the concession for 16 years between November 2009 – November 2025.
2014
MTR is awarded the Swedish Quality Award for its work on the Stockholm Metro, with record figures in terms of customer satisfaction, punctuality and employee satisfaction.
2015
MTR introduces the long-distance train company MTRX, which becomes the first major commercial challenger to the state-owned rail operator SJ on the Stockholm-Gothenburg route.
2016
MTR began operating the commuter rail in Stockholm, holding the concession for eight years.
2016
MTRX is named the train operator with the most satisfied customers by the Swedish Quality Index – an award that MTRXthen received for eight consecutive years.
2017
MTR was listed among Fortune’s “Change the World” top 50 global institutions.
2018
MTR is awarded the Swedish Quality Award for the second time for its work on the Stockholm Metro.
2020
The Stockholm Commuter trail reach a historic punctuality record of 96% for the full year. Customer satisfaction also reaches peak levels.
2021
MTR takes over the operations of Mälartåg, a concession that lasts until 2024.
2024
MTRX ranks highest in the Swedish Quality Index survey for customer satisfaction across the entire private travel sector. Later the same year MTRX was sold to new owners.
2025
The Stockholm metro reaches a record score in SL’s Customer Satisfaction Index during a single month, with 89% of passengers reporting satisfaction.
“The original team of suppliers, consultants, MTR people and early British experts who came to Hong Kong – built the foundation for what would become the best metro in the world. Two generations later, MTR have brought many international best practices back to the UK. UK experts played a significant role in laying the foundations for MTR and have now come full circle, bringing that expertise back to the UK, based on years of experience gained.”
Phil Gaffney, Senior Advisor Crossrail Limited (formerly Managing Director Operations and Business Development – MTR Corporation)
Let’s Connect
We invite you to contact us to learn about our experience, the solutions we offer, or to discuss partnership opportunities
