Singapore's land transportation strategy is to develop an extensive rapid transit network where commuters can enjoy travelling on a daily basis without any challenges or obstacles. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operators, including SMRT Corp and SBS Transit, have been successful in providing quality public transport services and maximize accessibility for all types of commuters, from the working population, elderly people to people with disabilities. Let’s check out what accessibility features MRT operators have provided to Singaporeans.
• All existing MRT stations have at least one barrier-free route, wheelchair-accessible toilets, ramps, lifts, and wider fare gates. The fare gates are bidirectional so people don’t need to ask station staff to turn the gate in a certain direction.
• Each metro train has two wheelchair-accessible carriages, which can be located by seeing the stickers on the platform floor and platform screen door.
• For people with difficulty in hearing, MRT stations have various screens located around the train platform wherein people can check for arrival times and destinations.
• There are Braille plates in station elevators for visually-impaired commuters. The tactile paving on the ground helps visually impaired to navigate from the MRT entrance to the platform.
• Service animals are allowed on MRT trains in Singapore and even buses.
• All MRT stationannounce the station names when they are about to reach the station. Audio instructions are given inside metro trains for people with disabilities to understand how to transfer at interchange stations.
• Red flashing lights above platform screen doors have been installed to tell people when the train doors are closing.
• SMRT has worked with the Land Transport Authority to implement the Hearing Enhancement System (HES) at the Passenger Service Centre of all Thomson-East Coast Line MRT stations.
• There are Priority Queue zones at MRT/LRT stations where elderly, expectant mothers, families with strollers and passengers in wheelchairs or personalmobility aids (PMAs) can wait to board a train.
Commenting on how SMRT is fulfilling commuters needs, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong said, “We have recently focused on Service as an integral part of our rail business. We have begun to identify and work on ways to elevate service quality at SMRT. We are focused on understanding our customers’ needs and defining service standards to meet commuters needs. This underscores our commitment to and the emphasis we place on service delivery, accessibility, safety, and reliability to better enhance travel experience with us.”
Conclusion
The MRT transport system benefits all commuters, and MRT operators and the Government are taking steady steps towards their main goal - to keep Singapore moving. SMRT and other MRT operators are committed to helping all types of commuters with smoother, enjoyable rides.