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