Transport authority says it fixed overcrowded trains after complaints

Commuters spread out on a train in Singapore in a photo posted April 20, 2020. Photo: Land Transport Authority/Facebook
Commuters spread out on a train in Singapore in a photo posted April 20, 2020. Photo: Land Transport Authority/Facebook

Three days after commuters complained of tight crowds packing trains following service cuts, the Land Transport Authority announced late last night that it had taken steps to solve the problem.

The authority said in a statement that it made unspecified “further adjustments” to train frequencies which resulted in “reduced crowds” during the Monday morning rush hour. The move comes after people began complaining Friday that running fewer trains had led to large crowds, making it impossible to practice safe distancing. 

“Further adjustments have been made to our train frequencies to ensure commuters can keep a safe distance from one another should they need to travel for essential matters during this circuit breaker period,” the authority said without elaborating on the specifics.

It also shared images showing commuters keeping a respectable distance from each other. 

People who must continue to go to work are required to maintain a 1- to 2-meter distance from each other when taking public transport. This seemed impossible on Friday, when longer than usual train intervals led to overcrowded trains.

Though some complaints persisted Monday, they did not seem as numerous.

The authority called for passengers to continue wearing masks on public transport after the “circuit-breaker” virtual lockdown ends May 4. 

“Post-circuit breaker period, when safe distancing is not easily achievable as crowds return, a practical compromise is for all commuters to continue wearing masks on public transport. #MaskOutWhenOut and #StayAtHome as much as possible to make our circuit breaker measures work!” its statement added. 

Train operators began reducing services from Friday to save costs amid a fall in ridership as more Singaporeans stay home. It is also halting operations 30 minutes earlier each day.

Related:

Singapore commuters packed into trains after services cut to save money (Photos)



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