Ladies-only Train Cabins

Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Transport given the crowded trains during peak periods, whether the Ministry will consider having ladies-only cabins to provide more security and comfort to female commuters.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: We place strong emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of all commuters on our public transport system. Police officers patrol stations and trains regularly, during both peak and non-peak periods, to project their presence and deter crime. More in-train CCTVs are also being installed as deterrence.

Designating ladies-only carriages during peak hours is an option we have considered. However, there are practical difficulties and challenges. In particular, it would affect overall train capacity. From a social perspective, we would also have to consider whether it is in our society's interests to gender-segregate public places.

That said, we are certainly open to other suggestions about what more we can do to provide better security, or even just to enhance the sense of security, for female commuters.