Enhancements in subway systems of senior-friendly cities a learning template

I am glad that the LTA is looking into making public transport more senior-friendly (“Senior-friendly enhancements to public transport in the works”, Aug 20).

Many subway systems in other senior-friendly cities have already implemented effective enhancements to improve the universal experience of commuters, and we can learn from these.

Train platforms can be difficult to navigate, especially the longer platforms on our pioneer train lines, and the layouts differ from station to station.

Other subway systems around the world include, on their platforms, maps that detail the position of escalators, elevators and staircases at each station on the line. These allow commuters to plan their journey so that escalators and elevators can be located more easily.

Knowledge of the right transfer escalators or stairways at interchange stations could also be helpful.

In addition, some of these systems seen overseas include Braille displays on platform screen doors and train doors to allow visually-impaired commuters to be constantly aware of their location.

Passenger information displays on buses can also be installed above or near train doors.

This could inform passengers of the travelling times to the subsequent stations, the platform layout at the next station, as well as announcements of train breakdowns on other lines.

Impromptu voice announcements can be difficult to decipher in noisy trains, and visual announcements would be more helpful.

Recently in April, an elderly commuter in Woodlands was injured while alighting from a bus when the driver drove off prematurely.

We can prevent this from happening with senior-friendly stop buttons, similar to pram buttons in buses in other countries.

These buttons alert the driver to passengers who may need more time alighting, so that they do not drive off prematurely.

Lastly, we can take inspiration from the aviation industry as well. Runways use approach lighting systems, which are sequenced flashing lights (“running rabbits”), to guide pilots on visual landing.

Similar sequenced flashing lights can be installed on the ceilings or walls of stations to guide senior commuters to elevators.

In the event of train breakdowns, these pre-installed colour-coded sequenced flashing lights can also be switched on to direct commuters to various waiting areas for bus bridging services.

The elevated location and sequenced flashing will provide clear and present visual signals for commuters.