PTC unveils its recommendations to improve Singapore’s public transport
The Public Transport Council on Monday (1 August) released its inaugural advisory report on the recommendations to improve the public transport system and commuter experience.
The report, which has been submitted to the Transport Minister, addresses the needs of diverse groups of commuters including families, seniors, wheelchair users and children.
To make public transport more family-friendly, PTC recommends that the Land Transport Authority reviews its policy on open strollers on buses. Open strollers are currently not allowed on public buses for safety reasons.
PTC also calls for diaper-changing tables to be included in male and female toilets, apart from the toilets for wheelchair users.
To ensure the safety of young commuters, PTC recommends the use of bigger text and eye-catching images on warning signs to make them more visible.
For wheelchair users, PTC suggests those commuters who are traveling alone should be encouraged to approach train station staff for help. A label can be placed near the fare gate for wheelchair users to remind them to approach station staff for help.
While there are travellators at some MRT interchanges, PTC said that more can be done. It proposes introducing travellators at future MRT interchanges to make walking more convenient for seniors.
In addition, PTC recommends slower escalator speed at stations with high volume of senior commuters and those near hospitals as some seniors have given feedback that they are afraid of using escalators that may be too fast and steep.
PTC also recommends giving a grace period for commuters to re-enter through the swing gate if they need to use the toilets at train stations urgently. Currently, commuters who need to do so have to tap out and pay a fare again when they resume their journey.
One set of recommendations was on the provision of more information for commuters. PTC suggests showing bus service number and final destination, and real-time information on train disruptions on the new bus electronic screens being considered by LTA.
At train stations, a video to advise commuters on their response to service disruption can be played regularly on display screens at MRT platforms.
Another set of recommendations relates to public transport design. For future bus stops, PTC recommends wider and flatter seats, and with arm and back rests. To encourage commuters to move to the back of buses, it proposes having a third rear exit.
The report is based on interviews, focus group discussions, a survey of more than 2,000 respondents and analysis of commuters’ views in the media.
