However, there seems to be no public awareness. Many still jostle to grab any available seat, oblivious that these seats are meant for the less able-bodied.

My recent holiday in Japan allowed me to witness how trains operate there. There are designated 'priority seats'. The sign explains that these seats are reserved for 'the elderly, disabled, pregnant and those carrying infants in their arms'. Also, pre-recorded announcements are aired regularly to remind commuters of the purpose of these 'priority seats'. This is highly effective in creating public awareness.

Throughout my 10 days in Tokyo and Osaka, we observed that it was an effective deterrent and the elderly usually had their seats. Sometimes, other commuters would occupy a 'priority seat', but whenever an elderly commuter boarded, the younger commuter gave up his seat.

SMRT can adopt a similar approach without any costly campaign. All that is needed is to put up signs in the train to alert commuters that these seats are reserved for the elderly, disabled, pregnant and those carrying infants in their arms. It can also have pre-recorded announcements that regularly inform commuters of the purpose of these priority seats. LCD screens in the train can also be used to screen notices.

The current signs that ask commuters to 'give up the seat to someone who needs it more than you' are no longer effective.

Delphine Chin Mei Foong (Ms)