Commuting on public transport is an everyday affair for many Singaporeans, but some face unique challenges.

Seniors and commuters with disabilities may need extra support as they get around, and some commuters may have invisible medical conditions.

To help address these issues, the Caring SG Commuters Movement was launched in 2017 to foster a more caring, inclusive, and welcoming culture on public transport.

Since then, organisations such as educational institutions, healthcare agencies, community groups and other stakeholders have joined the Caring SG Commuters Movement to raise awareness of the needs and challenges of different commuters. 

This year, to recognise partners that have contributed significantly to the Caring SG Commuters movement, the Caring SG Commuters Committee also introduced a new Caring SG Commuters Partners Award.

In the first edition of the award, Lianhua Primary School, Republic Polytechnic (RP) and National University Health System (NUHS) were recognised for co-creating projects that cultivate a more caring commuting culture.

Understanding the struggles of persons with disabilities

RP, a Caring SG Commuters Movement partner since 2020, has engaged more than 180 RP students as advocates in support of the movement.

The school also collaborated with the Caring SG Commuters Committee to design a mural for Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub.

The mural aims to promote the movement beyond the school by highlighting different ways in which commuters can show simple acts of care.

RP also developed Project CompassioNATION, which is a simulation workshop for participants to learn more about some of the challenges faced by vulnerable commuters and commuters with disabilities when they take public transport.

Caring for seniors and public transport operator staff

Since 2022, Lianhua Primary School has adopted the “CARE Ride @ South West” initiative as part of its ‘Values-In-Action’ programme.

Lianhua Primary School organises the CARE Ride @ South West event with like-minded partners every year.

The event looks to encourage younger commuters to be empathic and more mindful of seniors in their midst, as well as to cultivate a greater willingness to help.

During the ‘CARE Ride’, students would accompany and assist seniors on their usual commute from the Bukit Gombak Hillgrove precinct.

Students would guide the seniors to commute safely and independently on their public transport journeys, usually between Bukit Gombat MRT and Bukit Batok Bus Interchange.

Students would also present appreciation messages to both public transport staff, as well as seniors.

National University Health System

NUHS has been actively supporting the “May I Have a Seat Please” scheme, by promoting it throughout their network.

The scheme involves yellow “May I Have a Seat Please” lanyards or stickers that help those with invisible medical conditions alert fellow passengers that they would like a seat on the train.

NUHS promoted the scheme via print and online platforms at hospitals and polyclinics under their cluster.

Photo from Caring SG Commuters.

The goal of the promotion was to not just raise awareness of the scheme among patients who might benefit from it but to also encourage everyone to give up their seat to those who need it more.

Shifting mindsets

Partners like RP, Lianhua Primary School, and NUHS are key to cultivating a caring commuting culture.

Such partnerships also aim to inspire and encourage empathy among public transport commuters.

Organisations, community groups and even individual commuters are invited to participate in the Caring SG Commuters Movement, and can start by indicating their interest here.

In Singapore’s diverse public transport landscape, the Caring SG Commuters Movement is an important endeavour that promotes an inclusive and caring commuting culture, ensuring more joyful and inclusive commutes for all commuters.

This article is sponsored by the Public Transport Council.

Top photo from the Caring SG Commuters.

This article is originally written by Mothership and is republished with permission