To deploy the ramp for wheelchairs and prams, bus drivers have to leave their seat and physically flip down the ramp ("Open prams on buses"; Sunday).

They would then have to fold the ramps back into position.

Powered ramps would enable this to take place more quickly.

I have seen buses in London where drivers do not have to physically flip the ramp up or down.

The bus driver would tilt the bus slightly towards the kerb by engaging its vehicle suspension mechanism, and the hydraulically powered ramp would extend towards the kerb. It is then retracted after use, all without the driver leaving his seat.

Perhaps there could be research and development into designing such buses in Singapore as well.

Lew Sin Hoe