It wasn't too long ago that the PAP use to brand our public transport system as WORLD CLASS. Some forummers would probably remember seeing PAP billboards with these words WORLD CLASS TRANSPORT SYSTEM against the MRT. IT was also used as an election platform in previous elections. PAP has since stopped using this branding with so many MRT incidents over the last 3 to 4 years, some of which are very close to one another, just like the one today coming so soon with yesterday's incident.
What actually happen is this. The PAP had created the myth that an orderly, clean and aesthetic MRT stations is equivalent to a superbly efficient transport system. Many S'poreans had in fact been taken in by this PAP propaganda for many years, confusing orderliness and cleaniless with efficiency. The PAP had always boast of the fact that our MRT stations are so clean, so well maintained etc as compared to the old and run-down underground train stations. Now we all know that this is simply an empty boast that is not matched up with an efficient and incident free MRT system. How efficient and how well the train systems server public commuters has nothing to do with how good the station looks. The London Underground or more commonly called the The Tube is the best example. It has been in use for more than 120 years or so, and yes, it looks run-down and in need of fresh coat of paint. But then, the trains are super efficient, they arrive at very close intervals, huge capacities, and the stations are very near each other such that it's very convenient for commuters as they need not has to walk too far or the need to catch another bus as we need to in S'pore. The Japanese and the Hong Kong train systems are just another two examples where the emphasis is to serve the commuters well ie getting them on time to work etc, very short waiting time and sufficient room to wait for the room. Here in Singapore, the emphasis is on how to build a nice-looking station to be adorned by art pieces. I mean who the hell has the time to go admire those damn art pieces hanging on the walls of MRT stations? All commuters want is for the trains to arrive quickly such that they can get to work or home quickly. But that has never been a main consideration of the PAP here isn't, going by what had happened in the past few years, especially when the MRT is to put to the strain with influx of foreigners.
There were some commuters who commented after yesterday's Circle Line breakdown that they were surprised since it is so new. I wasn't. Because on the 2nd and 3rd day when the Circle Line opened, I already witnessed the escalators having brokedown on 2 to 3 new stations!!! If the MRT can't even take care of escalators well which is no new technology at all, can we expect them to run the trains well.
It is the same with our expressways. The PAP has beautified with lots of greenery and flowers. So it gives the impression that they are really well run and serve their purposes. But just get into any of these expressways in the evenings and you can see the massive jams. In fact even in the afternoons one can witness the jams already. Why? Because they are poorly designed without taking into considerations the future vehicular volumes. They were too busy beautifying the roads.
So never never confuse cleaniless, orderliness and aesthetics as efficiently and effectiveness. it's an impression that the PAP wants to create among its people to cover up the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of our public transport infrastructure.
