Though our peak-hour trains are becoming more crowded, I hope that this will not be the situation in Singapore.

It is encouraging to know that there has been a slight increase in the number of MRT trains during peak hours. At the same time, it can still be quite a squeeze on board our trains during the busy periods.

As discussed by The Straits Times' Japanese Correspondent, Mr Kwan Weng Kin, travelling on public transport can be more pleasant if commuters are more courteous and considerate.

Here are two additional positive practices that we can learn and adapt from the Japanese.

In Japan, commuters who are having a flu or cold would wear a face mask so as to minimise the spread of illnesses. Train commuters in Japan refrain from conversing on their mobile phones and, if they have to use it, they do so discreetly as they do not want to disturb other commuters. If we are more civic-conscious and thoughtful, travelling on public transport can be a better experience.

Mr Kwan noted that the Japanese have a 'can't be helped' (shikata ga nai) resigned mindset which helps them accept the daily grind and squeeze of travelling on trains. I hope that Singaporeans would not have such an shigata ga nai attitude of resignation.

Singaporeans should have the attitude of kaizen, seeking progress and constant incremental improvement. We should aspire to enhance our transportation system and quality of life. We should not be content to being transported in packed sardine-can like conditions on our trains.

Other than developing our public transportation network and facilities, we can promote private and public initiatives to improve the quality of transportation in Singapore. These initiatives can benefit our environment too.

For instance, more people can be encouraged to share and car-pool. I recall the interesting experiences I had in the 1980s when Singaporeans had to car-pool before their vehicles entered CBD. Car-pooling can optimise the use of cars. This sharing can also reduce the increasing individual cost of using cars in Singapore.

If we are going to allow more cars in Singapore, we should have more incentives or less disincentives for environmentally-friendly cars such as the hybrid cars, which consume less fuel or cause less pollution. Our country and people should move towards a greener transportation system.

Companies and local communities can also contribute to a better transportation network. Corporate organisations or communities in a specific work area can facilitate private bus services so that colleagues or employees living in particular common areas can go to work and return home comfortably and conveniently.

In addition to the land-based transportation system, we can consider ways of optimising our water-based transportation system. High speed ferries like those used in cities such as Brisbane or amphibious vehicles such as the Duck Tour vehicles can be used to reduce the current high peak-hour traffic and complement our transportation system.

Through kaizen, let us progress towards a more affordable, comfortable and convenient transportation in Singapore.

Lim Kah Woon