The initiative by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to remove seats from the trains is an effort to create more standing space in each train car so that commuters can have a more comfortable travel experience.
SMRT supports this initiative and worked together with LTA to modify the trains.
In determining the number of seats to be removed, we are mindful of the need to strike a balance as we understand some commuters would still like to have seats.
Hence, the modified trains will have 84 seats removed, which makes up 30% of the total number of seats per train.
Where the train seats used to be, we have introduced more handrails and hand straps for use by standing passengers.
A total of 10 trains will be modified by end of January next year.
As part of SMRT's ongoing efforts to make public transport a preferred mode of travel that is accessible to all, SMRT has introduced numerous new measures since the beginning of this year.
These have ranged from injecting an additional 900 train runs per week to the introduction of service ambassadors on selected station platforms during morning and evening peak hours to facilitate commuter movements.
These service ambassadors ensure the safety of passengers waiting for trains at station platforms, encourage commuters to move to less crowded areas on the platform while waiting, and facilitate passengers boarding the trains by encouraging commuters to move to the centre of the train cars.
The measures introduced to date are meant to help create a more pleasant ride in our system even during peak hours.
We thank the writer for the feedback.
This article was first published in The New Paper on Nov 20, 2008 .
