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