My heart was greatly warmed when I read the article "Commuters are more gracious: Index" (last Thursday), and I cannot agree more with the study by the Land Transport Authority.

The survey of 1,000 respondents showed that the graciousness level has gone up to 61.3 per cent last year, from 42 per cent the year before that.

The study had looked at three core behaviours, namely, queueing up and giving way to other commuters, giving up seats to those who need them more, as well as moving in to allow more passengers to board the bus or train.

Personally, I have experienced kind commuters who gave up their seats for me.

On many occasions, thoughtful students and members of the public would offer me and many other deserving commuters their seats while travelling on the trains or buses.

I would respond with a hearty, "Thank you!"

Their actions are indeed commendable.

Although there are still instances where commuters would suddenly "fall asleep" instead of offering their seats, they occur rarely.

I am amazed each time I arrive at the Bishan Circle Line during peak hours because I do not see a mob of commuters trying to push or squeeze their way onto the trains.

Instead, there are orderly lines and queues of people waiting for their turn to get on.

Surely gracious, kind, thoughtful are the only words that fit these exemplary actions.

To the kind and gracious commuters, I applaud you and hope that your loving actions will be emulated by others.

Soh Swee Kiat