Extended Aid Program for Additional Commuter Support
New Assistance Cards in Singapore's Public Transport System for a More Inclusive Journey
In an effort to create a more inclusive and caring public transit system, the Caring SG Commuters Committee has expanded the Helping Hand scheme with the introduction of two new cards: "This is a wheelchair" and "Please alert me when I am approaching my stop."
"This is a wheelchair"
This card is designed to help those using pediatric wheelchairs, which may look like regular strollers or prams. The card, when presented, alerts public transport staff and other passengers to give way to these users, particularly at wheelchair spaces.
"Please alert me when I am approaching my stop"
This card assists passengers with visual impairments or conditions like dementia by notifying bus captains and fellow passengers when they are nearing their destinations.
The Helping Hand scheme, launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), aims to foster a more caring, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all commuters. The scheme's previous initiative, the "May I have a seat please" sticker, was piloted in October 2019 to promote awareness of those with hidden or invisible medical conditions who need a seat. The lanyard and card versions of the sticker became available in April 2021.
These new cards are now accessible to passengers for free at the passenger service center located at MRT stations, bus interchanges, terminals, and selected TransitLink ticket offices. Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Chee Hong Tat, emphasized the importance of asking for help and offering help in his speech during the event's launch at Tampines North Bus Interchange.
Awareness of the Helping Hand scheme is being raised through posters placed in prominent locations across the island. The Caring SG Commuters Committee plans to continue collaborating with organizations like the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore to educate the public on the importance of inclusivity in public transit.
These initiatives aim to encourage empathy, kindness, and compassion among commuters, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for all passengers in need.
[[1]][[3]][[4]] Under the Helping Hand scheme, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is focusing on strengthening support for commuters who require extra assistance. The recent emphasis has been on the launch of a Universal Helping Hand card, catering to people with hidden disabilities or temporary conditions. Another card, designed for pediatric wheelchair users, reflects the expansion of the scheme's inclusiveness.
[1] TODAYOnline. "New card to help communication with those with hidden disabilities in public transport." TODAY, 16 Feb. 2023. [https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-card-help-communication-those-hidden-disabilities-public-transport]
[2] CNA. "LTA launches new initiative to help commuters with hidden disabilities on MRT and buses." CNA, 16 Feb. 2023. [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sg/singapore/lta-caring-sg-commuters-committee-public-transport-disabilities-18605794]
[3] Straits Times. "New cards launched to aid commuters with hidden disabilities or mobility problems." The Straits Times, 16 Feb. 2023. [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/new-cards-launched-to-aid-commuters-with-hidden-disabilities-or-mobility-problems]
[4] Channel NewsAsia. "Universal ‘helping hand’ card launched for commuters with hidden disabilities, included in expanded Helping Hand scheme." Channel NewsAsia, 16 Feb. 2023. [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/universal-helping-hand-card-Hidden-Disabilities-Caring-SG-Commuters]
Science could play a significant role in the development of these universal assistance cards, studying the impact of inclusivity and awareness on the health-and-wellness of people with hidden disabilities. Encouraging fitness-and-exercise among commuters, such as standing during less crowded periods, could further enhance the overall health of passengers, contributing to a more caring and welcoming environment on public transport.
