THE HANDICAPPED AND DISABLED (Access to MRT stations)

Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the Minister for Communications and Information how many of the Mass Rapid Transit stations will be easily accessible to the handicapped and disabled, particularly those on wheel chairs; and what measures will be taken to ensure that the public transport system will be more user-friendly to the disabled.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Sir, the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation has, wherever practicable, provided facilities in the MRT system to make it safe and easily accessible to all passengers including the ambulant disabled.

These facilities include heavy-duty public service-type escalators which have been designed with longer steps. Such escalators allow slightly longer reaction times and hence make it easier for passengers to get on or off.

In addition, inside every train car, eight seats will be reserved for senior citizens and the disabled. These seats will have a sticker over them to request passengers to give priority to the elderly and the disabled.

The public education programme planned by the MRTC to introduce the MRT system to Singaporeans will also include information on how the public can help the disabled to get around, especially within the stations.

The primary objective of the Mass Rapid Transit system, as its name conveys, is to transport rapidly large masses of people. Therefore the service will only be in areas with heavy traffic density. The average stopping times at stations will be approximately 30 to 45 seconds. As such, it is not a safe and practical means of transport for the wheelchair-bound. They are better served by point to point transportation, such as mini buses, taxis, or cars. A Committee in the Ministry of Community Development has been looking into the transportation needs of the disabled and making the public transport system more convenient for the disabled. Members of the House may like to note that the Member for Bo Wen has very kindly served as Chairman of this Committee which includes a member of the Handicapped Welfare Association. Measures that are in the process of implementation include the designation of seats in buses for the elderly and the disabled and the purchase of buses with lower steps.