Safe distancing: Do not use trains, buses if unwell, cut unnecessary and peak-hour travel, says Khaw Boon Wan

SINGAPORE — Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Monday (March 23) suggested several ways that Singaporeans can try to achieve the seemingly "almost impossible" practice of safe distancing on trains and buses amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Khaw said Singaporeans will first need to help lower peak hour demand for public transport by adjusting their commutes and work habits.

In a speech during a visit to Bright Hill MRT station, which is slated to open later this year in the second phase of Thomson-East Coast Line, he expressed the wish to implement safe distancing on public transport. He noted such measures had been introduced at hawker centres, food courts and restaurants.

Bright Hill MRT Station, which is slated to open later this year in the second phase of the Thomson-East Coast Line. Photo: Yong Jun Yuan/TODAY

However, as public transport “has to accommodate large numbers of people at the same time, this will be very challenging” unless peak hour demand for trains and buses is reduced, he said.

“I say: Let’s try,” said Mr Khaw, who outlined three ways Singaporeans can contribute to this change.

First, he implored those feeling unwell to not use public transport.

“Consult the GP clinic in your neighbourhood, where you can just go down and walk to the clinic. Certainly wear a mask when you do so,” he said.

Mr Khaw also encouraged Singaporeans to cut down on unnecessary travel during the outbreak period, and to be considerate to other commuters.

“Talk softly, if you need to. The best, don’t talk. Close your eyes, relax, meditate. Let the commuters have a quiet journey,” he said.

Finally, he called on Singaporeans to avoid travelling during peak hours if possible, and pointed out the need for employers here to support staggered or flexible working hours for their employees, or to allow staff to work from home.

He cited his own Ministry of Transport as an example, and said that two thirds of its headquarters staff now work from home with no negative effect on productivity.

“In fact, by saving travelling time, we have more time to do work,” Mr Khaw added.

He said that this could be a way for some companies to break the traditional mould of requiring staff to work from an office, and for firms to take advantage of technology in their operations.

“I think let’s use this pandemic to learn how to do more tele-commuting and see how we can exploit technology so that we can change the future of life. Along the way, I think a bonus is that staff can enjoy a better work-life balance. I really hope that post-pandemic, office life for most will no longer be the same,” he said.

Mr Khaw also flagged the possibility of transport operators employing temporary “transport ambassadors” as much-needed additional manpower during the outbreak period.

Commuters taking the Circle Line on March 23, 2020. Photo: Yong Jun Yuan/TODAY

He said some of these ambassadors may potentially be taxi drivers who are looking to supplement a loss of income during the outbreak, and can be placed on three-month or six-month contracts depending on how long the pandemic lasts.

They could guide commuters toward keeping safe distances among one another, as well as assist with sanitising train cabins, seats and poles more frequently, Mr Khaw said.

Commuters boarding bus service 66 on March 23, 2020. Photo: Yong Jun Yuan/TODAY