SINGAPORE: The Public Transport Council (PTC) on Monday (Aug 1) released its inaugural report detailing suggestions on how public transport can be improved for commuters.
The recommendations are meant to be integrated with evolving public transport governance, planning and design in order to improve the public transport system, said the PTC in a press briefing.
The recommendations cover four main themes: Making public transport inclusive for all; providing more information to commuters; the design of the public transport system; and deepening the human touch on public transport.
For example, in order to create a more family-friendly environment, the PTC suggested that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) review its policy on open strollers on public buses. Currently, strollers have to be folded, but parents with young children have highlighted the challenges of having to carry a baby, stroller and other bags all at the same time.
It also recommended that taxi drivers be trained to serve wheelchair users better. For example, taxi operators and disability agencies could collaborate to provide disability etiquette training and sensitivity training for these drivers.
Information like bus service numbers and the final destination could also be included on the new electronic screens LTA is considering on buses, while seats at future bus stops can also be wider and flatter, compared to the current bum-rests, which may not be comfortable, the PTC added.
The recommendations come after a six-month period of public engagements that covered 44 in-depth interviews, 51 focus group discussions and a commuter survey of 2,132 respondents - all geared towards understanding and appreciating commuters' experiences on the ground.
The PTC also commissioned a 12-month trend analysis of commuters' views on mainstream and social media. Commuters' views were then integrated with those of the public transport operators, bus captains, taxi drivers, the LTA and other industry players, while international experts were also engaged.
"One intent of this report is to reiterate to the public transport stakeholders that they should remain connected to the ground, to commuters," said PTC Chairman Richard Magnus. "Our commuters' views, concerns, needs and suggestions should be integrated into the larger plans and developments for our public transport system. Together, these will contribute significantly to a better public transport system for all."
not one mention of decreasing fares.
Majulah Singapura!
The recommendations are meant to be integrated with evolving public transport governance, planning and design in order to improve the public transport system, said the PTC in a press briefing.
The recommendations cover four main themes: Making public transport inclusive for all; providing more information to commuters; the design of the public transport system; and deepening the human touch on public transport.
For example, in order to create a more family-friendly environment, the PTC suggested that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) review its policy on open strollers on public buses. Currently, strollers have to be folded, but parents with young children have highlighted the challenges of having to carry a baby, stroller and other bags all at the same time.
It also recommended that taxi drivers be trained to serve wheelchair users better. For example, taxi operators and disability agencies could collaborate to provide disability etiquette training and sensitivity training for these drivers.
Information like bus service numbers and the final destination could also be included on the new electronic screens LTA is considering on buses, while seats at future bus stops can also be wider and flatter, compared to the current bum-rests, which may not be comfortable, the PTC added.
The recommendations come after a six-month period of public engagements that covered 44 in-depth interviews, 51 focus group discussions and a commuter survey of 2,132 respondents - all geared towards understanding and appreciating commuters' experiences on the ground.
The PTC also commissioned a 12-month trend analysis of commuters' views on mainstream and social media. Commuters' views were then integrated with those of the public transport operators, bus captains, taxi drivers, the LTA and other industry players, while international experts were also engaged.
"One intent of this report is to reiterate to the public transport stakeholders that they should remain connected to the ground, to commuters," said PTC Chairman Richard Magnus. "Our commuters' views, concerns, needs and suggestions should be integrated into the larger plans and developments for our public transport system. Together, these will contribute significantly to a better public transport system for all."
not one mention of decreasing fares.
Majulah Singapura!
