MRT AND TRAINS...THROWN OUT!!!!

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Nick Pedro nickpdr@yahoo.com.sg

06/11/2006 09:08 AM
To:stforum@sph.com.sg

Subject:MRT AND TRAINS

To The Editor,
Straits Times,
Forum,

Every time when we are inconvenienced by the public transportation we tend to discriminate against our fellow commuters. This has been a perennial problem. Day after day we hear about the woes in the transportation system, whether it is private or public. There is never a good system that we make private cars owners to change their traveling mode to public transport. I think the time is right now.We hear cries of complaints that commuters rushing for their seats, blocking of entrances and exits, failure to give up seats, crossing of legs or placing of personal articles thus occupying two seats, close contacts with strange body odours, bad air ventilation, and the list goes on.I would like to reiterate that, the next time when we come across such an incidence, do not jump into conclusion and point the finger at a fellow commuter. One simply does not understand that when a commuter pays a fare, it is for a seat on the trains. No one pays for a fare to stand. Sub-consciously commuters need to have a seat. It is an entitlement and it is an explicit contract with the train company. However, due to the long waiting period and poor design the train company has flouted its obligation to provide seats for all commuters. Similarly this goes for the buses.It is sad to note that although there is a jump in our population there is not much going to have the carriages upgraded. Our platform is built to accommodate only six carriages, therefore we cannot extend the present carriages to eight or even ten. If there is a way, even the carriages could be widened to accommodate more seats with smoother ride, lush ambience and piped music, however there is cost involved. Any increase in the frequency of train trips during peak hours will burn a huge big hole in SMRT’s pocket. I am sure that the obedient commuters can still fork out a three to five cents increase, if it is going to be speedier, comfortable and convenient than a taxi.The air conditioning is a shame or should a say a sham. I hope that we do not catch Legionnaires disease. A train taken in a cool morning at about 6.30 am can make you arrive at your destination as if you were just out from a sauna. This has been going on despite much feedback. SMRT should try and diversify into spa business.I would therefore suggest that SMRT has four categories of transport charges. These are namely, “Seating”, Non-Seating, Air Conditioned and Non-Air conditioned. However, please place a disclaimer for the “seating”, with “Seat At Your Own Risk”.The same goes for our buses. I am sure we all enjoy luxury tour buses. Why do the present SMRT buses do not have enough leg room, seats that are comfortable, drivers that are not braking abruptly and turning sharply veering bus commuters like a pendulum and having cool air conditioning system in a humid country like ours. The buses we have are sometimes shared with roaches, the air condition gives out “steam”, the seats are so smooth that one can slip out of their seat at bends, the standing room is enough for one person with anorexic, and while waiting for a bus the men can shave and ladies can do their make-ups (especially during peak hours).I would suggest that we should create another body for the transport system, to oversee the LTA and PTC and name it LATE (Land And Transport Entity). This body will ensure that the authorities concern will walk the talk. A failure to improve the system would cost the member of LTA & PTC, to loose their cars and take the public transport system for a full one year. Ultimately, it is deemed that there is no keen interest to make the transportation the best we have ever seen. In doing that people will be satisfied, maintenance cost will increase and revenue will decline. I only hope I am wrong.