Helping Hand Scheme Expanded to Assist More Commuters

Two new cards introduced to create a more pleasant journey for commuters with needs

The “Helping Hand” scheme is an initiative by the Caring SG Commuters Committee to foster a more caring, welcoming and inclusive public transport system. Under this initiative, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) piloted the “May I have a seat please” sticker in October 2019 to help commuters be aware of those who need a seat more for their public transport journeys, especially those with hidden or invisible medical conditions. This identifier was subsequently expanded to the entire bus and train network across all operators and a “May I have a seat please” lanyard and card was also introduced in April 2021. 

2 As announced at the Ministry of Transport Committee of Supply debate in March 2023, the “Helping Hand” scheme will be expanded to cater to the needs of other commuters, following a successful trial by Go-Ahead Singapore. The expanded “Helping Hand” scheme, which has been adopted by all public transport operators, will comprise:

3 Commuters who need any of the three identifiers can obtain them for free at the passenger service centre/office located at MRT stations and bus interchanges/terminals, or at selected TransitLink Ticket Offices. To raise awareness of the “Helping Hand” scheme, posters and collaterals have been placed at prominent locations across the public transport network. 

4 The Caring SG Commuters Committee will also continue to work closely with the relevant associations such as the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore to educate the public on inclusive initiatives. We encourage commuters to exercise graciousness and continue to extend assistance to fellow commuters in need. To find out more about the Caring SG Commuters initiatives and how to participate, please visit the Caring SG Commuters Portal.

About Caring SG Commuters Movement

The Caring SG Commuters movement first began in August 2017 as a national culture-building movement to foster a caring commuting culture in Singapore. Members of the public are invited to visit the Caring SG Commuters Portal to find out more about Caring SG Commuters initiatives and how they can get involved. 

About Caring SG Commuters Committee

The Caring SG Commuters Committee was set up in January 2020 with the mandate to work with commuters and the community to transform Singapore’s public transport system into one that is more caring, welcoming and inclusive. It is chaired by Ms Janet Ang, who is concurrently the Chairperson of the Public Transport Council, and comprises key industry players, as well as representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.