Public transport is about connecting people to places safely and efficiently. Public transport operators like SMRT Corporation, the government, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) all are working together to make Singapore’s public transport system an inclusive transport network for all commuters, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families travelling with young children. Everyone can use public transport to get around more independently. One such initiative has been launched by SMRT Corporation. SMRT’s Go-To Initiative is a one-stop care hub at MRT stations and bus interchanges to assist commuters with wayfinding requests, first aid needs, and to locate missing children and seniors.
SMRT’s Go-To campaign received the Marketing Campaign Category at the UITP Awards 2021. UITP is the International Association of Public Transport. It is the only worldwide network that brings together all public transport stakeholders and all sustainable transport modes.
What is the SMRT Go-To Initiative?
As of April 202, there are 17 MRT stations and five bus interchanges that are certified by the Agency for Integrated Care as Dementia Go-To Points. At these Go-To Points, SMRT employees help people with dementia reunite with their loved ones and find their way home.
The Dementia Go-To Points also have Go-To QR codes. These QR codes provide useful travel information such as locality maps, lift locations in the stations, bus and train timings, and details on alternative modes of transport.
SMRT is planning to roll out the Go-To SMRT initiative throughout the entire transport network over the next two years.
SMRT is also refreshing the first aid and WeCare rooms to better support commuters. WeCare rooms are equipped with baby-changing stations for parents.
Commenting on the Go-to initiative, Neo Kian Hong, SMRT CEO, said: “Service to commuters is at the heart of all we do. We introduced the WeCare Go-To SMRT initiative to help commuters with wayfinding, first aid, and locating missing children or the elderly.”
Neo Kian Hong further added: “Working with the Agency for Integrated Care, our stations and interchanges serve as resource centres to link those who need help with relevant dementia-related services. We have also made navigating the new Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub more intuitive for the visually impaired.”
Conclusion
Singapore is working to enhance the quality of life and well-being of commuters by supporting and promoting sustainable transport and an inclusive travel network. SMRT is leading the front when it comes to building a more inclusive society. Apart from providing accessible and inclusive train and bus services, SMRT has also sponsored the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Inclusive Playground.
