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SINGAPORE - Taxi drivers displaced by the developing coronavirus outbreak will be deployed to lessen crowding on trains, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said on Monday (March 23).
Speaking during a visit to Bright Hill station on Stage 2 of the Thomson-East Coast line (TEL), Mr Khaw said having "temporary transport ambassadors to help commuters keep safe distances" was an idea mooted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
"These are temporary positions to support higher manpower needs at our stations during this special period," Mr Khaw said. "These ambassadors can also help to sanitise our train cabins, seats, poles more frequently."
During pre-outbreak times, MRT trains could pack as many as four commuters per square metre during peak hours. Although crowding has reduced since the coronavirus forced many to work from home, public transport commuters are still placed well within the 1m distance recommended by the Government for entertainment venues, restaurants, hawker centres and cinemas.
Mr Khaw said: "I would very much like to do the same for buses and trains. Unfortunately, as public transport has to accommodate large numbers of people at the same time, this is very challenging. Almost impossible, unless we can substantially reduce peak-hour demand. I say: Let's try."
He said the transport ambassadors could be employed on three or six-month contracts, "depending on how long the pandemic lasts".
Cabbies who have seen their earnings hit by the Covid-19 pandemic can fill these roles. "The extra cash allowance may also come in handy... to supplement their reduced income," Mr Khaw said. He noted that transport operators have seen some of their taxi drivers suffering due to reduced income.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...wdown-to-be-offered-crowd-control-jobs-at-mrt
Speaking during a visit to Bright Hill station on Stage 2 of the Thomson-East Coast line (TEL), Mr Khaw said having "temporary transport ambassadors to help commuters keep safe distances" was an idea mooted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
"These are temporary positions to support higher manpower needs at our stations during this special period," Mr Khaw said. "These ambassadors can also help to sanitise our train cabins, seats, poles more frequently."
During pre-outbreak times, MRT trains could pack as many as four commuters per square metre during peak hours. Although crowding has reduced since the coronavirus forced many to work from home, public transport commuters are still placed well within the 1m distance recommended by the Government for entertainment venues, restaurants, hawker centres and cinemas.
Mr Khaw said: "I would very much like to do the same for buses and trains. Unfortunately, as public transport has to accommodate large numbers of people at the same time, this is very challenging. Almost impossible, unless we can substantially reduce peak-hour demand. I say: Let's try."
He said the transport ambassadors could be employed on three or six-month contracts, "depending on how long the pandemic lasts".
Cabbies who have seen their earnings hit by the Covid-19 pandemic can fill these roles. "The extra cash allowance may also come in handy... to supplement their reduced income," Mr Khaw said. He noted that transport operators have seen some of their taxi drivers suffering due to reduced income.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...wdown-to-be-offered-crowd-control-jobs-at-mrt
