Forum: Help lost visitors as part of being gracious commuters
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Guides often praise Singapore’s bus and MRT system as one of the world’s safest and most efficient networks.
Yet in train stations and bus interchanges, I still see tourists looking lost over apps and maps, unsure how to tap in or out, which line to take, or where to queue.
Our system has many good features – clear signage, multilingual announcements and tourist passes that include discounts on food and attractions. But visitors do not always know how to navigate the system, and may be shy to ask.
A simple, friendly offer from a resident to point them to the correct platform, and show them the colour of an MRT line, can turn confusion into a positive memory.
I hope public campaigns can gently encourage commuters to be “everyday guides” when they notice confused visitors, and highlight this as part of being gracious riders. Small acts of help on buses and trains can be as powerful for our tourism image as any advertisement.
Madan Kishor
