As we push for technological improvement and adopt cashless payment systems, we must be wary of not alienating our seniors by completely removing the option to pay with cash.

We, members of the younger generation, take our ability to effortlessly navigate panels and screens for granted.

However, not everyone in the silver generation has this skill. Some seniors simply may not be able to wrap their heads around these newfangled systems.

Even setting up inquiry booths, like the ones SMRT set up in response to the new cashless-only, top-up stations, only go so far.

I fear for the future of people like my grandmother, who have neither the means nor the literacy to use these smart payment systems. Their ability to function independently is compromised.

We should always leave a lifeline for such people, no matter how tempting it may be to completely revolutionise our payment systems.

Conrad Soon Kang Le, 16

Awaiting JC application