Singapore has Asia’s most modern and convenient rapid transit systems. All MRT stations and lines are equipped with the latest technologies and amenities. Every station has at least four General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre, plasma displays, escalators and lifts, accessibility features, restrooms, payphones, and more. The Land Transport Authority of Singapore has allocated operating concessions for MRT stations to the profit-based corporations SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit.
MRT transport operators conduct their business in a socially and environmentally responsible way, balancing the interests of commuters, the community, employees, and business partners. Recently, transport operator SMRT announced that it is turning its transport nodes into care centres for serving people in need. SMRT is converting a total of 17 train stations and five bus interchanges into dementia go-to points. People who have dementia experience memory problems, mood changes, and behavioural changes. Commuters and people in the community can come to these dementia go-to points to learn more about dementia and dementia-related services.
17 MRT stations that will be converted into care centres include Jurong, Yishun, Simei, Novena, Kent Ridge, Aljunied, Bugis, Kembangan, Lakeside, Lavender, Paya Lebar, Redhill, Queenstown, Ang Mo Kio, Buona Vista, Bishan, and Canberra. The five bus interchanges to be converted into care centres are Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub, Yishun Integrated Transport Hub, Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange, Sembawang Bus Interchange, and Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange.
SMRT is working with Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Alzheimer’s Disease Association, and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped to make facilities more conducive for people with dementia. The company’s staff is undergoing special training so that they can provide help to commuters when they need it.
SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong, said the initiative was a key part of the operator’s service ethos. “Running safe, reliable and commuter-centric train and bus journeys remains our top priority,” he added.
SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming said this would be done with “great respect, empathy, humility and care”.
How SMRT Transport Operator is Serving the Community
SMRT conducts familiarisation tours to bring different groups of beneficiaries to discuss how SMRT can add the inclusivity features at all stations. The operator has partnered with the People’s Association (PA) and LTA to engage community leaders and commuters for feedback to improve MRT stations.
The operator is also improving commuter touch point by introducing mobile device charging points, priority queue system for the elderly, enhanced air circulation in stations, and music in stations. These services are available across 24 stations along North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), Circle Line (CCL), and Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) Line. These services will be rolled out in other stations in the coming years.
Conclusion
Singapore’s MRT stations and bus interchanges are the best and convenient points for commuters to seek help for dementia. By converting some MRT stations into care centres for people with dementia, SMRT is creating a positive impact on the communities.
