#trending: Netizens slam 'inconsiderate' MRT commuters who don't give way at priority gantries to wheelchair and pram users

SINGAPORE — Priority seats, priority queues and priority use of passenger lifts are just some of the steps that have been taken so far to make Singapore’s public transport system more inclusive and user-friendly.

Yet, from time to time, there will be reports on how ungracious commuters undermine such efforts.

In the latest incident that put the spotlight on the "inconsiderate" actions of some MRT train commuters, an online user posted a reminder for others to give way to people with strollers and wheelchairs at priority-use gantries or fare gates in train stations.

Clearly peeved, a Reddit user named "chromecastbuiltin" took to the popular online forum to post a "public service announcement" on the topic last Sunday (May 14).

"If you see someone waiting patiently on the other side of a wide MRT gate with a pram or wheelchair, they’re not politely letting you through," the user pointed out.

"They’re waiting for the arrow to turn green. Don’t be a sheep. Stop and wait, or alternatively, use another gate."

Priority-use gantries are wider fare gates meant for passengers travelling with strollers or bulky items as well as those on personal mobility aids (PMA), so that they can pass through more easily. 

As most MRT stations have only one such gantry installed, the gantry is made to be two-way so that passengers who wish to exit or enter the boarding platforms are able to use them.

Passengers will therefore have to wait for the gantry to clear and for its signal arrow to turn green before they can tap their fare cards and move through it.

However, some commuters have insisted on using the priority gate despite not needing to, at the expense of the people who do.

WAYS TO TACKLE THE ISSUE

Several Reddit users chimed in to share their own experiences with “terrible” commuters.

A number of parents expressed annoyance at how some commuters would pretend not to see them even though they are standing at the gantry with their child or a pram.  

One user wrote: “After I started using a stroller, I realised that there are so many inconsiderate people out there. 

“Almost every time I used the MRT, I'd encounter people chionging (rushing) for the gantry while others go unused (because the priority-use gantry is) the nearest from the escalator. And most will ignore me despite me standing there with my stroller signalling that I want to go through.”

A fellow parent said: “It bothers me when I am walking through the wide gantry with my two-year-old son and people who can use the smaller gantries just keep lining up on the other side and won’t let me through.”

Some online users talked about how they tackle such situations.

One person wrote: “Happened to me several times before, so now I just position the pram right at the exit. Go ahead and tap but I am not budging.”

Another said: “Happened to me enough times, I finally gathered the audacity to start glaring at people who do it now. Most of them apologise right away, but it really is frustrating when the remaining gantries were available for their taking!”

Many users also brought up other "pet peeves", such as when people on the platform rush into the train before passengers can exit, block others by standing in front of the escalator or look for their fare cards right at the fare gates.

One user reasoned that it may be because people tend to be in their "own bubble" when they are on public transport and thus are less aware of the needs of the people around them.

This was not the first time that the online community have complained about poor commuter habits in Singapore.

Just last month, they debated over whether parents with strollers get priority in boarding lifts at MRT train stations after a father put up a TikTok video talking about his displeasure with commuters who did not give way to him.

Online users were divided on the topic, with some sharing his frustrations while others felt that he was being entitled.