Make sure emergency communication on trains work

I am not surprised at the letter “Take security in MRT stations more seriously” (May 26). Another incident on the same MRT line, and the operator’s response, made me realise how vulnerable passengers might be in an attack.

On Jan 31, a lady fainted on a train leaving Potong Pasir station. People were concerned, as she was out cold, and I tried to activate the emergency communication button in the cabin to get assistance.

But it failed to work, despite my attempts. The lady was taken out at the next station, and I guess an ambulance was called.

I emailed the operator regarding the button and received a reply on March 21 informing me that its investigation showed there was “a Passenger Emergency Communication issue on the train on that morning”.

I am unsure of the status of the train’s emergency communication between Jan 31 and March 21. But imagine that, instead of a lady fainting, a lone wolf or a group of individuals had done something terrible.

Mobile signals in the tunnels are poor, so imagine the anguish when people realise that the emergency communication does not work in their time of need.

Also, how difficult is it for the operator to test the emergency communication buttons before train services begin for the day? Not at all, I reckon.