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8 Sep 05 Let passengers bring bicycles on MRT trains Letter from Jeanette Leong (Ms) Straits Times Forum online 8 Sep 05 SMRT not encouraging people to go green Letter from Mark Tee Teng Yong Singapore is a cosmopolitan city that has enjoyed tremendous change and recognition for its efforts in pursuing and accepting world class standards and norms. We are the first in Asia to implement the COE and ERP systems to limit and control the number of cars. To do this successfully, we need a good public transportation system as an alternative. With the big hike in pump petrol prices, we hear of efforts to go green and use other methods to travel to work and for leisure. In Thailand and America, they allow full-sized bikes on their metro or MRT trains. The buses in America have bicycle racks. I understand that we will not see Singapore following Holland, where there are dedicated bicycle lanes on the road. Why is SMRT not encouraging people to go green and allow bicycles (at least foldable ones) on the trains? Not allowing bicycles on MRT trains just because of 'worries about causing inconvenience' is short-sighted and selfish. Being a dedicated and world class pubic transportation company, SMRT has to improve and evolve to serve of all kinds of passengers. Straits Times Forum online 8 Sep 05 Let passengers bring bicycles on MRT trains Letter from Jeanette Leong (Ms) The Land Transport Authority is always trying to ease congestion by reducing the number of cars on the roads. I would point out that cycling is a wonderful alternative to driving. Of course it would be crazy to cycle to work if one lived in Ang Mo Kio and worked in Jurong. I suggest that Singapore adopts a more flexible approach in the public transport system by allowing cyclists to bring their bicycles on board MRT trains. SMRT could modify some carriages to cater to cyclists. Perhaps this can be done in the end carriages by removing the seats and creating more standing room to bring bicycles on board. MRT fares can be modified to include bicycle fare. This system is adopted in many parts of Europe. It helps to ease congestion and encourages the use of public transport. SMRT has already modified certain carriages that go to Changi Airport by creating space for suitcases. Surely there can be even more improvements. If LTA does not wish to allow bicycles on board trains, what's the reason for it? If bicycles dirty the trains, employ cleaners (this will create more jobs), or provide an air-wash bay at all stations. There are many possibilities to improve our public transport system. What about providing bicycle lanes? Our roads are already dangerous for motor cyclists. Cycling will become more popular when proper lanes for bicycles and motor cycles are provided. These would help to reduce the number of cars on the roads. I implore the LTA to do something more concrete than simply raising ERP fees. Inflation was never cured by simply printing more notes. links Related articles on Singapore: green energy renewable energy, energy saving: issues, efforts, discussions |
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