<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Special section that says: 'Give up your seat for the disabled'
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I AM writing to share my concern for people like me with impairment who travel on the MRT.
When I was able-bodied, I found the MRT one of the best public transport systems in the world because I did not notice the problems faced by those with impairment. But SMRT did, by building lifts, floor signs for the sight-impaired and priority seats for senior citizens and the disabled. Furthermore, there are special rates for senior citizens during off-peak hours. SMRT has done well.
On my travels recently, I have noticed that we have to make known the plight of impaired people to fellow commuters. On the train, I found many commuters tired and closing their eyes to enjoy the comfort of the train but they lack concern for the disabled. I see, especially, those seating in priority seats for seniors and the disabled. May I make the following suggestions?
Paint priority seats red to distinguish them.
Or put a bell and light above the seat so that, when a disabled person needs it, he can press a button and an able-bodied passenger will give up his seat.
This will add cost, depending on the number of cabins in a train.
So to save cost, here is another suggestion. Reserve one or two cabins (depending on demand) stating, 'Give up your seat for the disabled'. When the train stops at the station, these cabins will stop in a reserved position with signs, 'For disabled people' (as at taxi stands). All commuters are allowed to use this position but should give up their seat when the need arises. So all present priority seats in other cabins can be replaced with normal seating. Make it a point that disabled people assemble in the reserved position. It would be good to make it nearest the lift for convenience, but not to inconvenience able-bodied commuters in a rush.
This suggestion should apply at all times because sometimes disabled people have to make medical appointments during peak hours. (Some doctors are present only on certain days and at certain times.) Foo Ming Tong
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I AM writing to share my concern for people like me with impairment who travel on the MRT.
When I was able-bodied, I found the MRT one of the best public transport systems in the world because I did not notice the problems faced by those with impairment. But SMRT did, by building lifts, floor signs for the sight-impaired and priority seats for senior citizens and the disabled. Furthermore, there are special rates for senior citizens during off-peak hours. SMRT has done well.
On my travels recently, I have noticed that we have to make known the plight of impaired people to fellow commuters. On the train, I found many commuters tired and closing their eyes to enjoy the comfort of the train but they lack concern for the disabled. I see, especially, those seating in priority seats for seniors and the disabled. May I make the following suggestions?
Paint priority seats red to distinguish them.
Or put a bell and light above the seat so that, when a disabled person needs it, he can press a button and an able-bodied passenger will give up his seat.
This will add cost, depending on the number of cabins in a train.
So to save cost, here is another suggestion. Reserve one or two cabins (depending on demand) stating, 'Give up your seat for the disabled'. When the train stops at the station, these cabins will stop in a reserved position with signs, 'For disabled people' (as at taxi stands). All commuters are allowed to use this position but should give up their seat when the need arises. So all present priority seats in other cabins can be replaced with normal seating. Make it a point that disabled people assemble in the reserved position. It would be good to make it nearest the lift for convenience, but not to inconvenience able-bodied commuters in a rush.
This suggestion should apply at all times because sometimes disabled people have to make medical appointments during peak hours. (Some doctors are present only on certain days and at certain times.) Foo Ming Tong
