In March 2022, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) recognised outstanding companies and individuals in Singapore’s land transport industry at the 2022 Land Transport Excellence Awards (LTEA). SMRT Trains Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd received the inaugural “Best Community Inclusive Project” award.
As Singapore’s public transport should serve everyone, the government and public transport operators focus their attention on meeting the needs of all commuters, including passengers with disabilities, young families with children, the elderly, and commuters using special mobility vehicles. As the government and public transport operators like SMRT Corporation work towards a more inclusive public transport system, LTA recognised SMRT Trains Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd for their “Go-To SMRT” initiative. SMRT Trains and SMRT Buses together received the “Best Community Inclusive Project” award.
What is the “Go-To SMRT” Initiative by SMRT
SMRT’s Go-To Initiative provides way finding, first aid, and other assistance on the public transport network. Under this initiative, commuters can make use of the Scan & Go-To Quick Response (QR) code to get useful travel information about travel maps, train and bus timings, and alternative travel information.
SMRT has also introduced Dementia Go-To Points within Singapore’s public transport network. These Dementia Go-To Points act as safe return destinations for people with dementia. Commuters and staff members can bring those with Dementia who appear lost or are unable to remember their way. 17 SMRT train stations and five bus interchanges have been listed by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) as Dementia Go-To Points (GTPs).
SMRT implemented Kindness Seats to cater to the elderly and provide them with an excellent commuting experience.
Commenting on the Go-To initiative, Mr. Neo Kian Hong, SMRT CEO, said: “Running safe, reliable, and commuter-centric train and bus journeys remain our top priority. Go-To SMRT is a key part of our We Care service ethos, which seeks to care for everyone we meet and serve.”
Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman, said: “Go-To SMRT is a programme that improves and expands our services beyond our network to benefit the communities around our MRT stations and bus interchanges. We want to serve our commuters and communities with great respect, empathy, humility, and care.”
Conclusion
SMRT Corporation, public transport operators, and LTA are working together to make Singapore’s public transport network a people-centred, efficient, and sustainable land transport system. SMRT received the “Best Community Inclusive Project” award for promoting inclusivity and making land transport journeys more accessible to more vulnerable commuters.
