All train seats are reserved for those who need them more

I AM concerned about the increasing number of commuters who are unaware of other people who need a seat more than they do.

It took me less than 10 minutes to find nine posts on Stomp where this not-so-pleasant side of Singaporeans is shown.

Are Singaporeans becoming more inward-looking these days? It worries me when people are so absorbed in their gadgets that they neglect those around them.

As I take the trains daily, I have noticed that most people do not even dare to take the reserved seat.

It worries me more when I realise that people are afraid to do so for fear of their photograph appearing on Stomp should they take the seat and not give it up when the need arises.

Does one do a good deed out of fear?

However, I would like to praise those people who give up their seats because they genuinely recognise that the needs of another person are above theirs.

Ever since the implementation of the reserved seats system, most people feel that it is the responsibility of those who sit on these reserved seats to give up their seats to someone else.

But the reserved seat is no different than another except for its name. This means that anyone and everyone should be gracious enough to give their seat up, even if it is not reserved.

As mature Singaporeans, we would understand that this move by the train and bus operators is intended to promote a change of attitude so that we may be a more gracious society.

Hence, the focus should not be on people sitting on reserved seats, but rather, on the act of giving that can come from any seated commuter.

Thus, instead of fearing appearing on Stomp or bearing the inconvenience of giving up a seat, I would like to encourage fellow Singaporeans to be generous.

Let us embrace the mindset of being ready to give up our seats out of necessity, whether these are marked "reserved" or not.

We can make a difference, one seat at a time.

Christopher Lye Mingzhong