Fast moving escalators now has reduction in speed/ Exceptional service from SMRT staff

31st March 2022 Fast moving escalators now has reduction in speed/ Exceptional service from SMRT staff This morning when I went to top up my MRT card, I was pleasantly surprised to observe that the speed of the escalators has been slowed down, making it somewhat easier for people with mobility issues to make use of the devices. The MRT staff told me that yesterday the LTA staff came down to adjust the speed of the escalators to make it more elderly friendly. I shared with the staff and his manager that I had in fact highlighted this troubling issue with the MOT Minister & the LTA management. I am deeply encouraged that the government is receptive to feedback and takes remedial steps to provide a safe environment for our seniors and those with disabilities. Another pleasant encounter today was when SM Yusof and his subordinates – ASM Zaki, ASM Diki and SASM Joftari displayed much compassion and empathy seeing me struggling to walk about. They immediately got me a wheelchair and helped move me to the bus stop some 100 metres away and waited till I got safely into the bus before heading back to the control station. SM Yusof reminded me to seek the assistance of the MRT staff every time I was at the gates of the Ang Mo Kio MRT station heading downtown. With COVID-19 making life challenging for all of us, we need to embrace ideas and suggestions that can troubleshoot any problems coming on-stream. And both the government and the local mainstream media must be receptive and open to ideas that can make life far better for all living here – citizens as well as foreigners who work here. To throw out ideas due to biases is not in keeping with a gracious and enlightened society. The recent collaborative Omega and Swatch watches at Ion Orchard and Marina Bay Sands last Saturday where crowds swelled (Omega x Swatch collection draws snaking queues at Ion Orchard, MBS, March 26) is a sad reflection of what kind of society we are seeing. Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam was deeply concerned as one person even challenged the policeman to shoot him. Even though there is for retailers/shops/restaurants to revive poor businesses, a better solution is to get potential buyers to submit their request via email or an apps and then go for a lucky draw and explain that due to limited stock and to prevent the spread of COVID, there is a dire need to undertake such promotions in a calibrated way. Once the winners are chosen, have the collection dates on a few dates to avoid bunching. The same procedure should apply to other promotions including this at McDonalds or Hello Kitty soft toys. In many of the proposals I put up at government level, even though systems are weak, I will also provide possible and pragmatic solutions. MOT Minister Iswaran: Kindly convey my deepest appreciation to the SMRT officers as they need to be valued and appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

Accidents waiting to happen: LTA needs to take immediate and concrete steps to prevents accidents at the escalators

28th March 2022 The Management MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY 1 Hampshire Road Singapore 219428 Accidents waiting to happen: LTA needs to take immediate and concrete steps to prevents accidents at the escalators “Lifelong learning has to be matched with Lifelong Improvements.” -Raymond Anthony Fernando- I refer to the above matter and urge all at the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to review the current system for the escalators which are moving way too fast and placing the elderly at high risks of falling down and meeting with serious accidents. I am told by the MRT staff that the management of the escalators is managed by the (LTA) and though they empathize with me and our elderly seniors who have mobility issues, this matter, I am advised, has to be raised to the governing authority. On several occasions, had it not been for the timely intervention by SMRT staff, I would have fallen and met with a serious accident. The MRT staff are well trained and act promptly to prevent seniors from meeting with serious accidents. I commend them and hope that the LTA can do likewise. While we have a pretty good transport system in place, we must take it to the next level and make it elderly friendly as well – bearing in mind that Singapore is seeing one of the fastest ageing populations in the world. The government has been doing its part to provide good measures of support for seniors and thus it is only proper for the other agencies to work closely with one another so that our seniors who helped build our nation to what it is today are well taken care of. Males contributed to NS while their spouses played a supporting role. Between myself and my 4 other brothers, we contributed more than 20 years of NS. Although there are lifts at MRT stations and bus interchanges, there are places within these places where you have no choice but to take the escalators. LTA needs to do a thorough review of the systems island-wide. We are told by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and MOH officials to avoid visiting the A & E and hospitals unless it is urgent. To this end, the LTA has to also do its part to rally around MOH as they are facing high stress levels. While systems are in place, there is a dire need to review it periodically or when feedback is given as these speedy escalators are accidents waiting to happen. As one SMRT staff member in his 50s rightly pointed out to me, “These days everybody is in a big hurry.” Despite mobility issues, our seniors need to be appreciated and valued. And most certainly, they, like the younger generation, must have a better quality of life. They need to go out for meals, have social gatherings by meeting up with friends/relatives, attending religious events, attend to medical appointments and even travel. More so now when the MTF has come up with more opportunities for social gatherings. Even the timers at traffic crossings are not elderly friendly and the elderly have to practically rush before the green man turns to red. I would like a reply to my proposal; and if it takes a while to review/remedy the situation, an interim response will be appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando