There is a great sense of anticipation and excitement when I travel along Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road these days.

With the near completion of the Downtown Line from Bukit Panjang to Rochor, there will be nine new MRT stations at our doorstep. Each new station, with its uniquely planned and beautifully designed overhead bridge, is a lovely sight to behold.

I congratulate the Land Transport Authority and other agencies involved for a job well done.

For further enhancement and in the construction of future MRT stations, I suggest that there be better use of the "air space" on overhead bridges.

Perhaps selectively, where there is heavy human traffic, overhead bridges across roads could be expanded much more to accommodate air-conditioned shop spaces for use by pedestrians and nearby residents.

Priority for setting up these shops could be given to residents in the area, and the shops can be operated as social enterprises.

This will not only ensure that the products sold are cheaper, but also that the businesses are more viable.

In addition, it may even promote the kampung spirit among residents in the area.

With shops such as convenience stores, cafeterias, floral shops, pastry shops, comic stores or stationery stores, a meeting place with flavour and ambience could be created for residents; this could also provide a more calming effect for commuters who would otherwise be in such a hurry.

Angeline Wee (Mrs)