SMRT incident can improve the way we use rail services

Kudos to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for its decision in the wake of last week’s public outcry (“LTA not taking further action against SMRT for ACS(I) train charter”; Aug 30).

This unfortunate episode might have opened up ways for us to make better use of rail services in our city-state. We are an urban city with a high population density. Using rail services to transport people is more efficient and environmentally-friendly than buses or cars. Schools and communities should be encouraged to tap rail services during off-peak hours for events of national or local significance.

We could consider an online approval process for future chartered train services to reduce reporting costs and minimise communication issues with the regulator.

We should also anticipate and resolve pricing, scheduling and service issues between the rail operators to encourage higher ridership on chartered trains.