Singapore is known for its efficient and reliable public transportation system. From buses to mass rapid transit (MRT), the transport system connects the entire country and makes it easy for people to move around. However, accessibility and equity are important factors that need to be addressed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of public transportation. Let’s explore how Singapore makes public transportation more inclusive for all.
Singapore’s Public Transportation – Accessibility for All
Accessible public transportation means that it should be easy for everyone to use, regardless of their physical abilities. This includes those who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, and those with other disabilities. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and transport operators like SMRT Corporation have taken several measures to ensure accessibility, such as:
- Barrier-free stations and buses: All MRT stations and buses are equipped with ramps and lifts to facilitate easy access for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. For instance, SMRT Corporation has made Yishun Integrated Transport Hub (YITH) into a fully barrier-free bus interchange with commuter-friendly and inclusive facilities.
- Audio and visual announcements: To assist those who are visually or hearing-impaired, SMRT has installed audio and visual announcements on all trains and buses.
- Priority seats: SMRT has designated priority seats in trains and buses for senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
- Go-To SMRT Initiative: Go-To SMRT includes a suite of facilities and services to make SMRT stations and bus interchanges the go-to points for anyone who needs help, including people with special needs. All train stations and bus interchanges have been designated as Go-To SMRT points by the end of 2022.
- WeCare Rooms: WeCare Rooms at SMRT stations and bus interchanges have comfortable sofa beds, carefully selected tables, and chairs, as well as wheelchairs and first aid equipment. Some also have baby-changing facilities to serve the commuters better.
Singapore’s Public Transportation – Equity for All
Equity means that public transportation should be accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their financial status. The SMRT Corporation has taken several measures to ensure equity, such as:
- Fare concessions:The government offers fare concessions for senior citizens, students, and low-income families to make public transportation more affordable.
- Affordable fares: SMRT Corporation and other public transport operators have maintained affordable fares for public transportation to ensure that it remains accessible to everyone.
- Social responsibility: SMRT has taken social responsibility seriously by partnering with various community organisations to provide assistance to people with disabilities when they are commuting using public transport systems.
Commenting on the inclusive and accessibility features of public transportation, SMRT CEO, Ngien Hoon Ping said, “Our core values (R.I.S.E) define and motivate us: Respect for people and their professionalism; service with Integrity; Safety of our employees, commuters, and community at the heart of our work; Service from our hearts; and the pursuit of Excellence to improve.”
SMRT CEO further added, “We have learned that we need to work together – across government, regulators, public transport operators, suppliers, partners, and the communities we serve.“
Conclusion Inclusive public transportation is a vital part of a city’s infrastructure, and it’s essential to ensure that everyone can benefit from it. LTA’s and transport operators’ efforts to make public transportation more accessible and equitable for all are commendable. By implementing measures such as barrier-free stations and buses, audio and visual announcements, fare concessions, and maintaining affordable fares, they have made significant progress toward achieving an inclusive public transportation system.
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