The Caring Commuter Week 2024 (CCW), organised by the Caring SG Commuters Committee, Land Transport Authority (LTA), and Public Transport Council (PTC), marks the culmination of a series of activities and events this year aimed at fostering a caring commuter culture on public transport. Now in its fourth year, CCW also honours commuters who have demonstrated exceptional acts of care to others during their public transport journeys.
“Ride with Me” Experiential Exhibition and Young Caring SG Commuters Web Games at Bedok Town Square from 9 to 24 November 2024
2 Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, launched the CCW at Bedok Town Square, with a “Ride with Me” experiential exhibition that will run from 9 to 24 November 2024. Members of the public can experience public transport from the perspective of commuters with disabilities, such as autism, hearing loss and visual impairment, and learn how to lend them a helping hand. For more details on all the activities under Caring Commuter Week 2024, please refer to Annex A.
3 In partnership with Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Media, Arts and Design, a group of Year 3 students co-created four interactive Young Caring SG Commuters web games as part of their Final Year Projects. These games are designed to educate young commuters in primary school about the four Caring Norms – Give Time, Give Care, Give a Hand and Give Thanks - and the 3As of “Assess, Ask and Assist”. Each game guides players through various scenarios on public transport and teaches them to identify and assist commuters in need. The games provide a fun and educational experience for young commuters to learn about caring commuting. From navigating transport hubs to managing busy stations, these games aim to inspire a new generation of caring commuters and promote inclusivity on public transport. Members of public can visit the exhibition to try out the web games. The games are also available on the Caring SG Commuters portal.
Presentation of Awards and “Joyful Rides for All” Playbook
4 At the event, three awards were given out to individuals and organisers who have played a part in building a more caring commuter culture. This year, ten individuals received the Caring Commuter Award from Minister Chee for demonstrating acts of care during their commutes. The Richard Magnus Award for the Outstanding Caring Commuter was awarded to Ms Siti Rabi'ah Bte Mohamad Yazid. Ms Siti assisted an elderly woman who fell and was in pain while waiting for her bus at Bukit Merah Bus Interchange. She comforted the woman despite missing several buses and accompanied her in the ambulance to the hospital, leaving only after ensuring her well-being.
5 The Caring Commuter Champion (Inspirer) award was presented by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport, to eight individuals who actively participated in activities organised by the Caring SG Commuters Committee and promoted the Caring SG Commuters movement in their workplaces or communities, including volunteering and participating in activities such as Focus Group Discussions, Assembly Talks, Sharing Sessions, Learning Journeys.
6 This year also saw the introduction of a new Caring SG Commuters Partners Award, which recognises partners that have contributed significantly to the Caring SG Commuters movement. Lianhua Primary School, Republic Polytechnic and National University Health System were recognised for co-creating projects to raise awareness of how a more caring commuting culture can make a difference to our fellow Singaporeans. For more details on the other Award winners, please refer to Annex B.
7 At the event, Minister Chee was presented with the “Joyful Rides for All” playbook, a handy guide for Caring Commuter Champions with quick and convenient access to information on the inclusive features of Singapore’s public transport network and tips on assisting fellow commuters, including during service disruptions. The playbook also showcases events and activities organised by the Caring SG Commuters Committee and can be downloaded for free from the Caring SG Commuters portal.
8 To find out more about the Caring SG Commuters initiatives and how to take part, please visit the Caring SG Commuters Portal.
ANNEX A: Caring Commuter Week 2024 Activities
ANNEX B: Recipients of the Caring Commuter Award, Caring Commuter Champion (Inspirer) Award, and Caring SG Commuter Partners Award
ANNEX C: Key Collaterals for Caring Commuter Week 2024