I refer to The Straits Times' article (Wheelchair users flag potential loss of dedicated space on buses in trial, Jul31)
As a daily commuter using the public transport, I see many
oversized personal mobility aids (PMAs), strollers, prams jostling for spaces
inside buses and trains. While I agree that wheelchairs and PMAs cannot be
folded, nobody fold any strollers and prams while boarding them these days.
In 2024, I have raised this issue (PMAs, other big objects
on trains can affect the safety of commuters, Jul10). LTA, train and bus
operators replied that enforcement actions were to step up against these
oversized PMAs (MRT-Transport operators to step up enforcement against
oversized PMAs, Jul19).
Since 2017, LTA has mandated a maximum allowable size
requirement for PMAs, strollers, wheelchairs, foldable bicycles and other bulky
items on public transport. I see that enforcement actions are still very weak. Most security officers at stations just do nothing to
stop oversized objects or commuters holding drinks from entering the stations. The situation is worse during peak hours when
many users shove their big objects into trains and buses. It is of great concern
on commuters’ safety inside packed trains and buses when PMAs and other devices catch fire. There is no way
to run. It is urgent for LTA to
re-think and review again on enforcement actions at stations
or to deploy the use artificial
intelligent and camera systems to detect, deter such oversized objects being
brought into public transport for the safety of all commuters.